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THE 


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OF    THE 


iB®^iBii)  ®w  ma^^a®: 


•9 


TO    THE 


GENERAL  ASSEMBLY 


OF    THE 


IN  THE  UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA. 


FOR    1817. 


PHILADtLPHIA : 
PBINTED  BY  JOHK  W.  SCOTT, 

NO.  36  NORTH  SIXTH  STREET. 


June  1817. 


The  Board  of  Missions,  chosen  and  appointed  by  the  As* 
sembly  for  the  ensuing  year,  are  :  viz. 

Of  Philadelphia  and  its  vicinity,  Rev.  Drs.  Green,  Alex- 
ander, Wilson,  Janeway  Miller  and  Neiil ;  Rev.  Messrs. 
Potts  and  Skinner;  and  Messrs.  Boudinot,  Hazard,  Connelly, 
Smith,  Ralston,  and  Bayard. 

Of  New  York,  Rev.  Dr.  Romeyn,  Messrs.  Lenox,  Rogers,, 
Bethune,  Caldwell  and  Lewis. 
Of  the  Synod  of  Geneva,  Rev.  David  Higgins. 

—  of  Albany,  Rev.  Jonas  Coe. 

—  of  N.  Y.  and  N.  J.  Rev.  Jas.  Richards,  d.d. 

—  of  Philadelphia,  Rev.  Robert  Cathcart.  d.d. 

—  of  Pittsburgh,  Rev.  Elisha  Macurdy. 

—  of  Virginia,  Rev.  John  H.  Rice. 

— ^  of  Kentucky,  Rev.  James  Blithe,  d.d. 

- —  of  Ohio,  Rev.  Robert  G.  Wilson. 

—  of  N.  Carolina,  Rev.  James  Hall,  d.d. 

— ..  of  S.   Carolina  and  Georgia,    Rev.    Andrew 

Flinn,  d.d. 

OFFICERS   OT    THE    BOARD. 

J.  J.  Janeway,  President.         T.  H.  Skinner,  Secrelanjl 


THE 


irirst  3Xtpovt 


OF    THE 


5B©^iED  ©IF  mag^a®: 


THE  Board  of  Missions  present  to  the  General  Assem- 
bly the  result  of  their  labours  during  the  last  year. 

The  Board  organized  their  body  immediately  after  the 
rising  of  the  last  Assembly,  by  chosing  their  officers  ;  and  as 
the  Assembly  had  changed  their  style  from  that  of  a  Committee 
to  that  of  a  Board  of  Missions,  and  invested  them  with  a  cor« 
responding  enlargement  of  powers,  they  deemed  it  proper  to 
chj^nge  the  name  of  one  of  their  officers  from  that  oi  Chair' 
man  to  that  of  President. 

Agreeably  to  tlie  direction  of  the  last  Assembly,  the  Board 
took  measures  for  the  formation  of  Auxiliary  Missionary 
Societies  throughout  the  bounds  of  our  Church.  An  address 
was  prepared  and  printed,  in  which  the  subject  is  distinctly 
and  fully  laid  before  the  churches  ;  and  their  attention  is  so- 
licited to  it  by  considerations  that  were  deemed  suitable  to 
impress  them  with  the  great  importance  of  such  societies,  and 
to  show  what  extensive  benefits  might  result  from  an  active 
and  efficient  co-operation  in  the  missionary  concern  throughout 
the  whole  extent  of  our  Church.  In  connexion  with  the 
establishment  of  such  Societies,  the  Board  judged  it  of  con- 
sequence to  endeavour  to  promote  the  formation  o{  Missiona- 
ry Associations  in  every  congregation,  for  aiding  the  funds 
of  the  Societies  ;  and  tlierefore  recommended  them  in  their 
address.  To  facilitate  the  business  of  forming  these  institu- 
tions, draughts  of  constitutions  were  published  in  connexion 
with  the  address,  on  principles  calculated  to  secure  unity  of 
operation,  as  well  as  activity  of  exertion,  A  few  copies  of 
the  address  have  been  sent  by  mail  within  the  bounds  of  all 


the  Presbyteries,  accompanied  by  a  circular  letter,  inviting 
their  attention  to  and  co-operation  in  the  missionary  concern. 
The  remaining  copies,  tied  up  in  bundles,  have  either  been 
forwarded,  or  are  subject  to  the  order  of  the  Presbyteries  ; 
and  it  is  hoped  that  those  Presbyteries  which  have  not  re- 
ceived their  quotas,  will  not  fail  to  have  them  transmitted  and 
distributed  among  the  congregations  under  their  care. 

A  copy  of  the  address  and  constitutions  will  be  submitted 
to  the  inspection  of  this  Assembly  ;  and  should  the  plans 
proposed  by  the  Board  meet  with  their  approbation,  it  is  be- 
lieved that  it  will  contribute  much  to  the  successful  adoption 
of  them,  if  this  General  Assembly  were  to  call  the  attention 
of  the  churches  to  the  subject,  and  solicit  their  aid,  in  any 
manner  the  Assembly  may  deem  proper.  Let  it,  however, 
be  observed,  that  the  design  of  the  Assembly  in  directing 
these  measures,  was,  not  to  lessen,  but  extend  the  operations 
of  the  Board,  to  increase,  not  diminish  xhtix  funds.  They 
therefore  suggest,  that,  at  the  commencement  of  this  business, 
it  will  be  important  for  the  Assembly,  while  they  leave  the 
Presbyteries  or  Societies  to  adopt  what  plan  they  judge  proper 
for  procuring  money,  to  direct  them  so  to  manage  their  con- 
cerns as  not  to  interfere  with  the  annual  collections  made  ia 
the  churches  for  the  Assembly's  missionary  fund. 

Several  missionary  appointments  were  made  by  the  Board, 
which  will  be  noticed  when  the  journals  of  the  Missionaries 
shall  be  reviewed. 

Mr.  John  Monteith*  was  appointed  a  missionar}',  three 
months  in  Detroit,  and  one  month  on  missionary  ground  on 
his  way.  On  the  2rth  of  June  Mr.  Monteith  arrived  at  De- 
troit ;  and  he  states  he  was  so  cordially  received  by  the  people, 
that  it  appeared  unnecessary  to  bear  any  longer  the  character 
of  a  missionary.  He  is  now  settled  in  that  place,  and  has  en- 
tered on  a  wide  field  of  usefulness.  "  The  profaneness  of  the 
soldiers,"  says  Mr.  Monteith  "  exceeds  any  thing  I  ever  im- 
agined. There  is  no  Sabbath  in  this  country.  But  what  is 
remarkable,  though  I  have  openly  and  plainly  held  forth  the 

*  Lat«)y  a  Student  in  the  General  Assembly's  Theological  Senuoarjr. 


peculiar  doctrines  of  the  gospel,  both  in  public  and  in  private, 
I  am  apparently  treated  with  the  greatest  respect  by  all  de- 
scriptions of  people,  and  have  not  heard  a  word  spoken  against 
religion.  It  meets  with  no  opposition,  but  the  practice  of  the 
people." 

In  his  second  communication  he  says,  "I  am  about  200 
miles  distant  from  any  Presbyterian  minister.  I  feel  the 
weight  of  my  task.  Ignorance  and  wickedness  prevail  around 
me,  and  there  is  scarce  an  individual  to  give  me  assistance. 
All  the  Christian  zeal  perceivable  is  among  the  Methodists. 
The  army  is  without  a  chaplain,  and  I  have  more  than  I  am 
able  to  perform.  My  success  has  been  great  in  reforming 
morals  ;  but  no  conversions  have  appeared.  I  am  not  at  all  dis- 
couraged, but  am  anxious  to  have  assistance.  Salvation  be- 
longeth  to  the  Lord-" 

As  Mr.  Monteith  travelled  in  public  conveyances,  he  had 
no  opportunity  for  acting  as  a  missionary  in  his  way  to  De- 
troit. But  he  obtained  from  the  people  of  that  place  after 
agreeing  to  settle  among  them,  their  consent  to  spend  a  month 
in  missionary  labours  in  the  destitute  settlements  in  the  sur- 
rounding region.  He  accordingly  visited  Raisin,  the  Rapids 
of  the  Miami,  Sandusky,  Cleaveland,  and  other  places,  and 
preached  very  frequently.  This  tract  of  country  through 
which  he  pnssed,  he  deems  very  suitable  missionary  ground  ; 
and  he  is  of  the  opinion  that  it  is  important  immediately  to  oc- 
cupy it  by  our  missionaries.  If  a  missionary  sent  to  that 
country  were  acquainted  with  the  French  language,  he  might 
do  good  by  conversing  with  the  French  privately.  "  After 
much  inquiry,"  he  says,  "  I  have  not  been  able  to  find  a  sin- 
gle French  Bible  in  the  place  :  and  speaking  of  the  settlements 
of  Fort  Meigs  and  Raisin,  he  observes,  they  "are  utterly 
neglected,  yet  I  am  confident  that  Societies  could  now  be  form- 
ed in  both  places.     The  people  are  anxious  for  it." 

The  Rev.  John  Devanport  spent  two  months  in  mis- 
sionary labour,  on  a  route  prescribed  by  the  Presbytery  of 
Onondaga.  He  travelled  257  miles,  preached  on  8  Sabbaths, 
delivered  19  lectures,  visited  102  families,  attended  2  concert 
prayer-meetings,  and  2  sacramental  seasons.     He  likewise 


6 

assisted  in  organizing  2  churches,  consisting  each  of  18  mem- 
bers, and  baptized  8  adults,  and  1 1  infants.  The  assemblies, 
both  on  the  Lord's  day  and  on  week  days,  were  generally 
large,  and  in  some  instances  exceedingly  solemn :  and  there 
is  ground  to  believe,  he  thinks,  that  the  word  dispensed  was, 
in  a  variety  of  instances,  attended  with  the  energy  of  the  Holy 
Spirit  on  the  hearts  of  numbers. 

The  Rev.  Andrew  Rawson  discharged  the  duties  of  his 
mission  for  two  months  in  the  Holland  Purchase.  As  his 
report  is  short  and  interesting,  it  will  be  read. 

THE  LETTER  OF  MR.  ANDREW  RAWSON. 

Bristol  April,  29,  1817. 
Dear  Sir, 

I  began  my  mission  at  Gainsville,  on  the  Holland  Purchase  on  the  first 
day  of  December  last.  Preached  three  sermons  to  a  very  solemn  and  attentive 
congregation.  In  the  evening  God  in  very  deed  was  present  by  the  spiritual 
operations  of  his  Holy  Spirit.  Two  yeung  persons  were  brought  tasee  their 
deplorable  state  while  destitute  of  an  interest  in  Christ.  Menday,  preached  two 
sermons  and  attended  a  prayer-meeting.  This  day  two  more  were  convicted. 
Tuesday,  rode  to  Orangeville  number  nine  second  range.  Wednesday,  helped  in- 
stall Hypocrates  Rose.  By  the  advice  of  Presbytery  returned  immediately  to 
Gainsville.  On  my  return,  Hound  one  of  the  persons  alluded  to  above  rejoicing 
in  God  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  From  this  period  to  the  end  of  the 
month  I  laboured  day  and  night  in  preaching,  praying,  expounding  scripture,  in 
visiting  from  house  to  house,  in  solving  doubts  and  answering  questions,  and  ex- 
hortmg  Christians  to  pray,  and  sinners  to  flee  from  wrath  to  come.  As  1  lived 
but  a  day's  journey  from  this  place,  being  greatly  fatigued  I  discontinued  my  la- 
bours for  a  few  days.  In  January  returned  to  Gainsville,  found  the  good  people 
at  a  prayer-meeting.  Pursued  the  same  course  for  fifteen  days,  as  I  did  the  last 
month.  All  our  meetings  were  truly  solemn.  Some  rejoiced  in  the  glorious 
way  of  salvation  through  Christ ;  individuals  scoffed,  while  others  felt  that  with- 
out an  interest  in  Christ  they  must  eternally  perish.  Returned  and  attended 
Presbytery  and  Synod.  In  March  I  finished  my  mission.  My  labours  were 
confined  to  Gainsville,  Nunday,  Attica,  Perry  and  Warsaw.  At  Warsaw  a  re- 
vival commenced  about  the  first  of  the  year.  Since  then  about  40  have  en- 
tertained hopes  in  Christ.  There  are  hopeful  appearances  of  a  revival  at  Perry, 
a  town  joining  Warsaw.  In  two  months  I  preached  fifty-nine  sermons,  attended 
seven  prayer-meetings,  five  conferences,  administered  the  Lord's  Supper  twice, 
received  fourteen  to  the  communion  of  the  Church— two  by  letters,  twelve  by 
examination  ;  baptized  eight  adults,  four  children,  and  two  infants.  In  Gains- 
ville left  some,  who  had  embraced  hopes  of  mercy,  some  under  convictions,  and 
many  seriously  disposed.  Was  treated  with  the  greatest  degree  of  kindness. 
Had'the  prayers  of  many,  1  trust,  that  God  would  direct  me  to  that  region  again. 
This  from  your's  in  our  common  Lord, 

ANDREW  RAWSON- 


Mr.  Phxnehas  Camp,  lately  a  student  in  the  Assembly's 
Theological  Seminary  at  Princeton,  was  appointed  by  the 
Presbytery  of  Hudson  to  itinerate  six  weeks  as  a  missionary 
within  their  bounds.  He  laboured  in  a  region  of  country  on 
the  Delaware  surrounding  the  junction  of  the  States  of  New- 
York,  New  Jersey,  and  Pennsylvania.  The  preaching  of  this 
young  missionary  to  a  people  who  had  been  for  many  years 
destitute  of  the  stated  means  of  grace,  and  had  not  had  the 
sacrament  of  our  Lord's  Supper  administered  among  them 
for  eleven  years,  was  eminently  blessed  by  the  Great  Head  of 
the  Church.  A  powerful  work  of  divine  grace  began  with  the 
commencement  of  his  labours  among  that  people,  and  was 
rapidly  carried  on  during  the  short  time  he  continued  to  min- 
ister to  them  in  holy  things.  Six  individuals  were  impressed 
the  first  Sabbath  on  which  he  preached ;  and  before  he  left 
them,  between  one  and  tzvo  hundred  were  awakened  to  a  sense 
of  their  need  of  Christ.  Of  these  a  considerable  number 
were  rejoicing  in  their  Redeemer,  or  had  obtained  a  comfort- 
able hope  ;  but  as  the  sacrament  of  our  Lord's  Supper  was 
not  administered  by  Mr.  Camp,  the  precise  number  prepared 
to  make  a  public  profession  of  religion,  could  not  be  ascer- 
tained. 

This  people  were  very  urgent  in  their  solicitations  to  your 
Missionary  to  settle  among  them  and  become  their  stated 
Pastor ;  but,  feeling  a  preference  for  a  missionary  life,  he  de- 
clined :  and  as  they  nominally  at  least  belonged  to  the  Dutch 
Reformed  Church,  he  prudently  avoided  doing  or  saying  any 
thing  to  alienate  them  from  their  connexion  with  that  sister 
church,  and  advised  thera  to  choose  for  their  Pastor  a  minis, 
ter  of  their  own  denomination. 

The  labours  of  Mr.  Camp,  were  abundant;  for  in  the 
course  of  six  weeks,  he  preached  and  lectured  46  times. 

The  Board  presume  the  Assembly  will  be  gratified  with 
the  readingof  some  portions  of  his  interesting  journal. 

EXTRACTS    TROM    THE    JOURNAL    OF    MR.    PHINEHAS    CAMP. 

Saturday.  Sept.  ai.— Concluding  to  preach  at  Carp<nier\  Point,  otherwise 
Mabatkamact,  gave  notice  on  the  way  that  there  would  be  preaching  there  on 
the  morrow.  Arrived  at  a  Mr.  V F 's  near  the  church,  where  I  was  hos- 
pitably entatained,  yet  aot  «o  pleaeantly  situaced  as  I  tould  wish,  as  the  family 


8 

talked  Dutch  continually,  except  when  I  was  addressed.  Was  samewhat  <!»«• 
heartened  on  being  told  that  very  few  persons  would  assemble  on  the  morrow, 
on  account  of  the  short  notice;  but  still  more  at  th€  history  of  the  state  of  this 
people.  It  is  near  il  years  since  they  have  had  the  sacrament  administered  to 
them,  and  during  this  period  only  occasional  preaching;  latterly  scarce  any,  the 
summer  past,  on  one  Sabbath  only.  They  h  ive  had  no  meetings  of  their  own 
order  for  prayer  or  religious  conversation  for  years  ;  iniquity  reigns,  and  the  love 
of  God  appears  in  very  few,  and  in  these  it  is  -waxed  cold. 

Sunday  %%. —  Went  to  church  with  trembling  and  a  too  faithless  heart,  im- 
agining as  Satan  apparently  reigned  in  the  place,  and  there  were  no  praying 
people  to  assist  me,  that  I  should  preach  to  closed  ears  and  hardened  hearts. 
Preached  a.  m  from  2d  Cor.  v.  ao.  Noiv  then  ive  j.re  ambassadors  for  Christ,  t3'c. 
to  less  than  a  hundred  hearers,  who  though  at  first  noisy  and  thoughtless,  were 
afterward  more  solemn.  In  the  afternoon  from  Luke  xiii  24.  Strive  to  enter 
in  at  the  straight  gate  ;  for  many  I  say  unto  you  •will  stei  ta  enter  in  and  shall  not  he 
able  Preached  the  last  sermon  extemporanei-msly,  yet  with  more  boldness  and 
freedom  than  in  the  forenoon.  Observed  that  the  hearers  were  very  attentive, 
but  attributed  it  to  the  love  of  novelty.  Returned  from  church  much  dejected 
.with  a  view  of  my  unworthiness.  Thought  I  preached  and  felt  like  a  child. 
Was  told  that  the  people  were  pleased  with  my  preaching  •  but  how  often  is 
this  the  case  when  no  apparent  good  is  done  ?  Thought  I  saw  something  fa- 
vourable in  a  female  during  conversation  with  her  in  the  house  where  I  lodged.* 
Warned  her  solemnly  before  retiring  to  rest. 

Tuesday  24. — Prciched  in  the  evening  six  miles  distant  in  a  place  called 
Peanpack,  part  of  Mahakkamack  congregation,  from  Rom.  xiii.  il .  Some  per- 
sons impressed  on  the  Sabbath  came  6  miles  to  hear  me.  The  Lord  gave  me 
great  boldness  on  this  occasion-  Every  ear  appeared  to  be  open,  and  every  mind 
attentive,  though  at  first  they  were,  as  they  have  usually  been,  somewhat  light  in 
their  behaviour.  The  people  hung  about  me  after  sermon.  Talked  with  them 
for  some  time,  till  I  was  weary.  One  man  from  Mahak,  was  much  melted  down, 
said  he  never  heard  so  powerful  a  sermon  as  the  last  one  on  Sabbath ;  that  he 
was  too  great  a  sinner  to  be  pardoned.  He  is  near  50  years  old  As  he  came 
out  of  church,  he  said  to  one  of  his  neighbours,  "  what  do  you  think  of  the  ser- 
mon ?"  His  neighbour  bursting  into  tears  said,  "  how  can  we  stand  it  any  long- 
er ?"  Doubtless  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  not  the  sermon  pressed  upon  his  soul. 
Talked  Solemnly  with  the  family  where  I  preached  and  lodged,  who  appeared 
solemn. 

Friday  27. — Visited  a  sick  woman  who  was  impressed  with  a  sense  of  her 
sins, but  was  ignorant  of  the  way  of  salvation.  Hundreds  like  her  in  this  region, 
for  want  of  a  teacher,  die  like  the  brutes.  Preached  in  the  evening  at  the  house 
of  one  of  the  persons  impressed  on  the  Sabbath,  from  Romans  xii.  I.  1  beseech 
you  therefore,  hrethren,  by  the  mercies  of  God,  that  you  present  ynur  bodies  a  living  sacri- 
fice, holy,  acceptable,  Isfc.  The  house,  though  large,  was  full.  As  I  rose  to  ad- 
dress them,  my  feelings  were  of  a  mingled  nature  and  such  as  I  cannot  describe ; 
for  it  now  seemed  evident  that  a  revival  had  commenced  in  this  stupid  congre- 
gation. Preached  with  more  freedom  and  less  pain  of  the  lungs  than  I  expect- 
ed. Seldom  saw  more  strict  attention  paid  to  preaching  Many  wept  and  lin- 
gered behind  after  sermon.  Spoke  to  them  a  half  hour  longer.  I  perceived 
many  went  away  much  impressed,  who  were  unable  or  too  tired  to  converse 
with  me.  Was  cheered  to  find  one  New  England  woman  who  said  "  she  had 
prayed  for  a  revival  in  this  place  for  four  years."  But  the  people  seem  to  have 
entirely  cast  off  fear,  and  restrained  prayer  before  God.  Why  is  it  that  the  Lord 
has  thus  evidently  blessed  me  a  novice  in  his  vineyard  ? 

Thursday,  Oct.  3.— Rccrossed  the  Delaware,  and  preached  in  the  evening  in 
Minisink  congregation,  where  I  had  already  preached  four  times  on  Sabbath  and 
Monday.  The  evening,  I  trust,  was  a  profitable  one  to  hearers  and  preacher. 
My  text  was  Romass  xii.  I .     /  beseech  you  therefore,  brethren,  by  the  mercies  of  Go(jj 

*  She  has  since  been  under  great  distress,  dating  it  from  this  conversation. 


thai  you,  ^sSfc.  It  sectned  as  if  the  fear  of  God  fell  upon  the  people.  Many  pres- 
sed after  sermon,  confessing  themselves  sinners,  enquiring  luhat  thty  must  do  to  be 
savitd?  One  man  wept  aluud  like  a  child  ;  one  woman  of  70,  and  three  young 
women,  with  infants  in  their  arms,  came  to  enquire.  A  father  and  son.  They 
came  also  earnestly  bc;^^'"^  "^^  '"  settle  among  them  as  their  Pastor.  Promis- 
ed to  preach  occasion;illy  among  them. 

Friday  \. — RLturncd  to  Mahakkamack  11  miles  distant,  called  on  a  sick 
worrian.  found  her  rejoicing  in  her  Saviour —perceived  her  husband,  who  has 
been  far,  very  far  from  all  that  is  good,  to  be  under  convictions;  while  I  coil'* 
versed  and  priyed  with  them,  he  shook  and  sobbed  like  a  child.  This  was 
very  refreshing  to  my  soul.  Preached  this  evening  to  a  large  number  in  church 
from  Matt,  xviii.  4,3.  The  .strictest  attention  was  paid  to  the  discourse,  groans 
and  tears  were  discernible  in  several :  church  being  cold  could  not  stay  to  talk 
with  them. 

Sunday  6. — Preached  to  a  large  and  solemn  as^emMy,  from  Hosea  xiil.  9. 
0  Israel,  thou  hast  destroyed  thystlf,  but  in  me  is  thy  help  i  and  from  zd  Cor.  vi  %. 
Behold  noiu  is  the  accepted  time,  behold  X^c.  Tears  aiid  anxiou'  look--  were  visible  in 
many  countenances.  In  the  evening  preached  at  a  private  hou->e  much  en  uded 
from  Matt,  xiii  16.  But  biessed  arc  your  eyes, /or  they  see  ;  and  your  vjrs,  for  they 
hear.  The  Lord  on  this  occasion  put  a  sharp  scythe  in  my  hands,  and  enabled 
me  to  cut  close  and  wide  in  the  hearts  of  sinners  and  lukewarm  professors,  inso- 
much that  one  said  "  if  any  thing  would  offend,  this  would  "  and  another, '«  that 
every  word  appeared  to  be  sent  to  the  rijjht  place."  One  man  acknowledged 
that  the  remarks  upon  careless  hearers  cut  hmi  down.  This  man  is  beginning 
to  hope  in  Christ.  After  lecture  near  ao  persons  staid  to  converse:  several 
deeply  impressed  ;  one  enquired  "  if  it  were  safe  for  (■uch  a  drunkard  and  blas- 
phemer as  he  had  been  to  pr.iy  unto  God  ?" 

Monday  evening  7. — Met  with  a  pretty  large  number  for  concert  of  prayer* 
in  compliance  with  the  custom  rf  most  churches  of  Christendom.  The  people 
had  not  heard  of  such  a  custom  :  some  knew  not  what  a  prayer  meeting  was. 
Addressed  them  from  these  words,  T/jy  kingdom  come,  thy  ivill  be  done  in  earth-as 
it  is  in  heaven.  Had  two  persons  to  pray  with  me.  Many  were  impressed  this 
evening. 

Wednesday  9. — Preached  a  funeral  discourse  to  a  large  and  solemn  assembly 
from  Deut.  xxxii  29  0  that  tley  ivere  -wise,  that  they  understood  this,  that  ttey  ivoulJ 
consider  their  Utter  end  f  Much  weeping  took  place,  and  great  anxiety  appeared 
in  the  features  of  many  hearers.  One  woman  went  away  exceedingly  burdened 
in  soul:  felt  that  she  could  not  again  enter  his  dwelling ;  her  eyes  stream  with 
tears;  she  has  no  peace  of  mind.*  Preached  this  evening  6  miles  distant  at 
Ptanpack  to  a  full  house,  from  John  iii.  3  Except  a  man  be  born  again,  he  cannot 
see  the  kingdom  of  God,  Among  the  many  who  canii-  to  me  after  sermon  to  seek 
relief  to  their  burdened  consciences,  were  a  rrtan,  his  wife,  and  daughter,  and  aa 
old  lady  of  70,  who  tremiiled  under  the  terror  of  an  alarmed  conscience. 

Saturday  12. —  Called  upon  srme  and  heard  of  others  awakened.  Visited 
the  sick  woman  again  ;  she  must  soou  die,  but  I  think  though  apparently  unaC' 
quainted  with  him  tili  lately,  will  sleep  in  'Jesus.  People  in  the  house  were  mov<d 
to  tears.  Called  on  a  womanf  who  has  been  remarkably  dealt  with.  .She  at- 
tended on  last  Sabbath,  was  suddenly  seized  with  inricstribable  dread;  felt  her 
soul  veigl'.ed  down  as  with  a  mountain,  was  much  bewildered-  thinks  sl.e  was 
imprcfcsed  by  the  sermon,  but  dont  renumber  any  thing  that  particularly  affected 
her:  recollects  nothing  but  the  text.  On  reading  the  Bible  in  the  evening  felt 
the  dread  with  increased  weight,  but  recoilect.«  no  words  nor  sins  that  particu- 
larly troubled  her,  could  think  of  nothing  but  her  own  amazing  agony;  she  felt 
it  more  or  less  till  Wednesday,  when  she  attended  a  funeral,  nturncd  from  this 
in  deeper  misery.     She  forgot  every  thing  but  her  distress — went  on    Thursday 

*  This  ii'oman  is  notu  exceedingly  happy  ;  ber  case  is  else^vhere  related, 

B 


10 

f-vcnicgf  to  prayer-meeting  ;  approaching  the  house,  heard  a  woman  sing ;  it 
seemed  to  her  ■:'.  the  voice  of  an  angel :  she  forgot  that  she  was  left  alone  in  the 
Waggotj;  got  into  the  house  she  knew  not  how.  Heard  little  that  was  said  a: 
the  meeting  ;  returned  home,  swooned  away  in  the  chair  :  as  she  revived  was 
seized  with  a  dreadful  fit  of  shaking,  screamed  aloud  with  agony — all  this  while 
sht  felt  not  the  least  pain  in  body — was  carried  to  bed,  had  there  many  shaking 
liLS :  continued  in  this  state  speechless  by  turns,  yet  all  the  while  rational,  till 
toward  m  rning  when  the  distress  gradually  abated,  and  jVy  unspeakable  ensued. 
She  can  express  her  feelings  now  no  otherwise  than,  that  "  her  heart  is  50  trans- 
ported and  light  that  she  mint  fly  away."  These  words  were  sweet  to  her  as 
she  revived,  "  Come  unto  me  all  ye  that  labour  and  are  heavy  laden,  and  I  will 
give  you  rest."  While  she  related  her  case  to  me,  her  countenance  bespoke 
great  peace  and  ecstacy  of  mind  ;  her  joy  now,  she  says,  weighs  down  her  body  as 
i^uch  as  her  agony  did  before.  She  is  reported  to  have  been  a  proud,  stout- 
hearted woman  :  but  now  none  would  think  her  so.— She  has  v/ished  or  prayed 
that  she  might  experience  the  new  birth  if  it  nearly  cost  her  her  life;  her  life 
was  nearly  taken.* 

Monlay  14. — Called  on  my  way  to  Peanpack  at  several  houses,  and  found 
more  newly  awakened.  Called  on  an  opposer  of  the  gospel,  who  treated  me 
kindly — answered  his  objections  to  the  Bible.  He  fights  against  his  convicted 
conscience. 

Thursday  17.  — Preached  opposite  Milford  this  evening,  in  a  place  called  the 
Clove  part  of  Mahakkamack  congregation,  to  an  assembly  of  people  principally 
composed  of  the  most  ignorant.  Discoursed  to  them  in  a  very  plain  manner 
from  Rom.  v.  8.  *'  But  God  commendeth  his  Icve  to  us  in  that  iihile  -we  tvere 
yet  sinners,  Christ  died  for  us."  Talked  with  several  after  sermon,  who  were 
pricked  in  their  consciences.  The  plainer  the  gospel  was  preached  to  them,  the 
more  powerful  it  seemed.  It  was  preached  this  evening  as  unto  babes.  Every 
word  was  devoured. 

Friday  18. —  Vlade  several  calls,  found  many  without  learning  and  without 
Bibles.  Engaged  to  send  them  some  The  only  thing  favourable  was  their 
readiness  to  hear  the  word  of  God.  Preached  this  evening  near  yellow  Church, 
to  an  attentive  and  solemn  audience  from  Luke  xv.  17,  18,  19.  They  enquired 
When  will  you  preach  to  us  again  .'  will  you  not  settle  with  us?  They  seem  rea- 
dy  to  pluck  out  as  it  "were  their  right  eye,  and  give  it  me, 

Friday  2j. —  Preached  this  evening  in  the  Clove  from  John  iii.  3.  Upwards 
of  20  persons  lingered  behind  to  unburthcn  their  souls.  Heard  that  now  scarce 
an  oath  is  uttered  in  all  the  valley  where  they  lately  much  abounded.  The 
people  tvill  ascribe  the  change  to  me.  I  am  but  the  saw  in  the  hand  of  Him 
that  shaketh  it. 

Sunday  27.—  Preached  to-day  from  Samuel,  iii.  4.  "  Let  us  search  and  try 
our  luays,  and  turn  again  unto  the  Lord."  And  from  Rev.  iii,  I5.  l6.  "  I  inoiv 
thy  -works,  that  thou  art  neither  cold  nor  hot"  &c.  The  hearers  Were  as  usual 
very  serious  and  solemn.  The  last  sermon  was  heavy  and  pointed  as  to  profes- 
sors, yet  none  seemed  to  take  offence.  In  the  evening  from  Matthew  xii.  43 — 45. 
*'  when  the  unclean  spirit  harh  gone  out  of  a  man,  &c."  This  lecture  was  very 
salutary  to  many  who  had  hoped  too  soon.  The  effect  was  as  I  wished.  Gave 
them  some  of  the  evidences  of  grace  in  the  heart  to  cling  to.  A  large  number 
declared  themselves  earnest  seekers  of  salvation.     My  heart  rejoiced. 

Friday,  Aov.  8. — Spent  the  day  in  conversing  with  the  sick  and  the  awak- 
ened. Preached  this  evening  at  Mahackkamack  from  Matt.  x.  8,  for  purpose  of 
contribution.  To  night  an  opposer  of  the  Gospel,  with  appearances  of  contrition, 
presented  me  with  a  half  dollar.  Talked  to-night  with  a  young  man  who,  under 
agony  of  mind,  swooned  away  in  the  waggon  in  which  he  rode;    was  taken  out 


•Sh 


he  "was  confined  to  fur  bed  10  days.     Is  still  very^  very  happy. 


11 

lifeless.  As  he  came  to,  he  cried  out,  "  O  merciful  Father ! "  continued  his  prayer ; 
returned  home,  and  begged  pardon  of  his  friends  for  all  his  profancness  and  im- 
morality ;  now  walks  correctly. 

Mr.  William  Blain  *  was  appointed  by  the  same  Pres- 
bytery ;  and  he  laboured  two  months,  chiefly  in  the  towns  of 
Minisink  and  Deerpark.  The  result  of  this  mission  is,  a  de- 
termination of  two  congregations  to  endeavour  to  raise  a  sum 
sufficient  to  procure  Mr.  Blain's  services  for  one  year  ;  and  at 
the  expiration  of  that  time,  if  practicable,  to  retain  him  per- 
manently. 

The  Rev.  John  Gloucester  laboured  three  months, 
among  the  Blacks  in  Philadelphia.  He  spent  his  time,  he  in- 
formed the  Board,  in  preaching  and  exhorting  among  them, 
in  visiting  and  conversing  with  families,  and  in  distributing 
Bibles  and  tracts  among  the  poor.  During  the  three  months 
he  baptized  twenty  adults  and  ten  children.  Mr.  Gloucester 
thinks,  from  external  appearances,  there  is  a  greater  thirst 
after  the  true  knowledge  of  God  among  the  people  of  colour, 
than  he  ever  witnessed  before  in  this  city. 

Mr.  Wells  Andrews*  performed  a  mission  of  two  months, 
from  the  Forks  of  the  Susquehannah,  along  the  east  branch, 
toward  the  line  which  divides  Pennsylvania  from  New  York. 
He  found  the  people  in  a  very  destitute  situation  in  regard  to 
the  means  of  grace.  In  two  or  three  places  there  appeared 
more  than  a  common  concern  about  religion,  but  in  other 
places  the  people  were  thoughtless  and  inattentive.  The 
pious  generally  expressed  an  earnest  desire  to  be  remembered 
by  the  Board,  and  that  missionaries  might  be  sent  to  supply 
their  wants.  Religion  and  morality  were  in  a  low  state.  It 
is  consolatory,  however,  to  hear,  that  in  this  region  of  coun- 
try two  Bible  Societies,  one  or  two  Missionary,  and  several 
Tract  Societies,  have  been  recently  formed  ;  and  hence  it  is 
supposed  that  the  cause  of  piety  and  virtue  is  gaining  ground. 
"  Many,"  observes  Mr.  Andrews,  "  who  have  long  lived  in 

•  Lately  a  student  in  the  General  Asembly's  Theological  Seminary. 


12 

irreligion,  now  seem  anxious  to  hear  the  truths  of  the  Gospei 
and  willing  to  support  it.  Missionaries  might  probably  b« 
extremely  useful  in  this  part  of  the  country.'* 

The  Rev.  Jamits  M^Gready  itinerated,  three  months,  in 
the  Indiana  Territorji,  in  the  counties  of  Clark,  Harriison, 
Gibson,  and  Knox.  The  labours  of  this  missionary  appear  to 
have  been  blest.  The  churches  which  a  year  ago  he  had 
formed  in  the  settlements  where  he  then  dispensed  the  words 
of  eternal  life,  were  visited  by  him  on  this  mission,  and  found 
to  be  in  an  orderly  and  thriving  condition  :  and  in  Princeton, 
the  seat  of  justice  for  Gibson  county,  he  organized  a  church  ; 
which  is  likely  to  receive,  by  emigration  from  neighbouring 
States,  considerable  accessions  to  "the  goodly  number  of 
respectable  families  of  Presbyterians"  already  attached  to  it. 
The  sacrament  of  our  Lord's  supper  was  administered  to  this 
church  J  and  the  occasion  was  solemn,  and,  Mr.  M'Gready 
hopes,  comfortable  to  many.  "  In  many  places,"  your  mis- 
sionary observes,  "  where  I  preached,  I  hope  the  Lord  is  be- 
ginning a  good  work,  and,  I  trust,  some  souls  have  taken  a 
start  for  heaven,  and  some  are  solemnly  rtsolving  to  fly  from 
the  wrath  to  come."  The  Board  request  the  indulgence  of 
the  Assembly  while  they  read  a  lew  select  portions  of  this 
missionary's  journal. 

EXTRACTS  FROM  THE  JOURNAL  OF  THE  REV.  J  AMES  M'GREADY, 

On  Tuesday  the  l8th  November,  i8l6,  I  came  to  Corydon,  the  seat  of  Go- 
vernment for  the  State  of  Indiana.  I  was  solicited  by  the  inhabitants  cf  the 
town  to  preach  that  riight  in  the  Court  House.  On  Tuesday  night  accordingly 
if  preached.  A  very  large  and  respectable  congregation  attended  ;  and  conducted 
with  great  decency  and  decorum.  [  was  informed  the  next  day,  that  a  certain 
young  gentleman  of  thi'  place,  a  professed  deist,  complained  of  some  of  his  com- 
rades giving  me  particular  information  about  him,  as  he  said  the  sermon  was 
preached  particuLirly  to  him,  and  all  the  wrong  things  that  ever  he  had  done 
were  told  over  to  him  ;  but  he  expressed  a  great  desire  to  hear  mc  again. 

On  Thursday  the  aoth,  I  rode  iive  miles  to  Dr.  Frimmcr's,  on  the  Indian 
Creek,  and  preached  to  a  very  sober,  attentive  assembly. 

On  Tuesday  the  jist,  I  returned  again  to  Corydon.  Some  persons  in  town 
insisted  upon  my  making  another  appointment  to  preach  in  the  Court  House 
that  night,  as  this  same  young  gentleman  most  anxiously  wished  it.  I  told  the 
people  that  I  was  fatigued,  and  as  I  had  appointed  to  preach  on  Saturday  night, 
and  the  Sabbath  day,  that  would  answer  his  purpose.  They  told  me  that  he 
wa.  '"mpatient,  and  did  not  wish  to  wait  until  Saturday  night.  Accordingly  I 
Biadc  an  appointment,  and  preached  that  night.  The  young  man  attended,  and 
appeared  to  hear  in  solemn  earnest ;  and  attended  likewise  with  solemnity  on 


13 

Saturday  night  and  on  the  Sahbath  day.  1  preached  four  titiies  in  town  while 
i  staytd;  every  time  the  Court  House  was  crc^wdcd,  and  many  seemed  to  hear 
as  for  eternity,  'i he  prospect  at  Corydon  is  phasing.  I  think  the  time  is  not 
far  ofl  when  a  hopeful  Church  may  he  formed  at  that  place 

On  Saturday  March  the  8th.  and  Sabbath  the  9th,  I  preached  at  Mr.  Arm- 
stronjj's,  in  the  Forks  of  Blue  River,  and  administered  the  Sacrament  of  the 
Lord's  supper  on  the  Sabbath.  On  Saturday,  the  appearance  was  h'lj'eful  and 
encouraging.  Oij  Saturday  night  a  large  rain  fell,  and  raised  the  fo-k^  of  the 
river  on  each  side  of  the  place  of  mecing.  On  Sabbath  morning  a  largp  body 
of  people  upon  one  side,  came  to  the  river-,  chiefly.of  ;hose  who  had  atrend<  <1  oh 
preaching  on  Friday.  A  young  man  attempted  to  ride  the  river,  hut  feli  from 
his  horse,  and  narrowly  escaped  drowning  This  deterred  the  others  from  at- 
tempting it.  However,  the  men  went  to  the  neighbouring  houses  and  yot  axes, 
and  felled  large  trees  from  eacii  bank,  so  that  their  tops  interiotked  in  the  middle 
of  the  river,  and  made  a  medium  of  pa.ssage  by  which  they  got  over,  and  assisted 
the  females  across. 

During  the  action  sermon  there  was  amazing  attention,  and  many  tears 
shed;  during  the  communion,  it  was  a  tender,  moving  time,  both  with  the  com- 
municants and  many  of  the  spectators.  After  the  congregation  was  dismissed, 
I  spoke  a  few  words  to  a  small  grope  of  the  young  communicants  that  were 
standi  g  together,  upon  the  st)Iemnity  and  importance  of  the  work  that  they 
had  just  been  engaged  in,  and  instantly  fhcy  were  melted  in  a  flood  of  tears. 

On  Sabbath  night,  I  had  to  cross  the  river  upon  the  trees  which  they  had 
fallen  into  it,  and  to  ride  five  miles  to  John  Mortim's-  whe:e  I  had  appointed  to 
preach  that  night.  Although  it  was  as  dark  a  nighr  as  I  ever  oeheld,  and 
rained  excessively  hard,  yet  a  large  company  attended.  It  was,  indee.l,  a  solcma 
llight,  and,  I  be'icve,  niai  y  heard  as  for  eternity.  After  sermon,  the  niglit  was 
so  dark,  wet,  and  unromfortahle,  that  nearly  all  the  females  staid  during  the 
night.  I  conversed  with  several  of  them,  particularly  about  the  state  of  their 
soul'^,  and  found  them  solemnly  impressed  with  a  sense  of  their  lost,  ruined  statr 
out  of  Christ.  I  felt  pained  and  distressed  to  leave  them.  What  the  event  with 
them  will  be,  an  infinite  God  only  can  tell. 

On  Tuesd.iy  the  list,  Saturday  the  aid,  and  Sabbath  the  z.^d,  I  preached 
at  Jeffcrsonville,  and  administered  the  Sacrament  of  the  Lord's  supper  on  ths 
Sabbath  On  each  day  there  was  great  solemnity  and  tenderness  with  many. 
On  Friday  night  and  Saturday  night,  we  had  a  meeting  for  social  prayer  :  thcst 
were  solemn  times.  We  had  comfortable  tokens  of  the  Divine  presence.  On 
the  Sabbath,  the  congregation  was  very  large  ;  and  during  the  action  sermon 
and  in  the  time  of  communion,  the  attention  was  solemn,  and  many  were  in 
tears. 

The  Rev.  Samuel  T.  Scott  was  directed  to  labour  as  a 
missionary,  three  months,  in  the  Illinois  Territory,  at  discre- 
tion ;  but  owing  to  the  severity  of  the  weather  last  winter,  he 
was  not  al^le  to  spend  more  than  one  month  in  his  mission. 
He  appears  to  have  laboured  with  great  diligence,  and  to  have 
preached  whenever  an  opportunity  offered.  Mr.  Scott  in- 
forms the  Board,  that  a  missionary  capable  of  preaching  in  the 
French  language,  might  be  very  useful  at  Kaskaskias,  and  in  a 
route  from  that  place  to  St.  Louis  through  the  American  Bot- 
tom. Of  Mr.  M'Gready  he  observes,  "His  heart  is  in  his 
work,  and  bis  labours  in  the  West  have  been  greatly  blessed." 


14 

The  Rev.  Thomas  E.  Hughs  itinerated,  two  months,  in 
the  counties  of  Wayne,  Richland,  and  Huron,  in  the  State  of 
Ohio.  In  fulfilling  his  mission,  Mr.  Hughs  travelled  740 
miles,  preached  54  sermons,  administered  the  Lord's  Supper 
once,  and  baptized  three  children.  Appearances  were  flat- 
tering in  several  places  where  he  preached  ;  for,  on  different 
occasions,  a  divine  power  seemed  to  attend  the  word,  and  deep 
impressions  became  visible  on  the  minds  of  a  number.  In  one 
place  after  preaching,  he  conversed  till  past  midnight  with  a 
number  of  young  people,  who  had  followed  him  to  the  house 
in  which  he  lodged.  1  hey  were  anxiously  enquiring  what 
they  must  do  to  be  saved.  The  church  he  formed  last  year 
at  Apple  Creek,  was  in  so  flourishing  a  state,  that  they  expect- 
ed soon  to  settle  a  minister.  In  Union  Town,  the  people, 
agreeably  to  his  advice,  formed  themselves  into  a  congrega- 
tion. Mr.  Hughs  thinks  the  settlement  of  a  stated  missionary 
in  these  counties  would  be  productive  of  much  good. 

The  Rev.  Robert  Semple  itinerated  on  the  headwaters 
of  the  Muskingum,  one  month.  Appearances  were  very 
promising  among  the  people  to  whom  he  dispensed  the  gos- 
pel ;  generally  they  were  solemn,  and  often  deeply  impressed, 
so  that  tears  flowed  freely.  A  few  pussages  from  his  journal 
will  show  that  considerable  benefit  has  occured  to  the  people 
in  this  destitute  region  from  the  labours  of  this  missionary. 

EXTRACTS  FROM  THE  JOURNAL  OF  THE  REV.  ROBERT  SEMPLE. 

Tueiday,  Sept.  TO.  1816. — Rode  10  miles  in  the  afternoon  and  preached,  in 
the  evening  to  about  60  persons.  Serious  impressions  were  felt  by  a  number, 
who  appeared  unwilling  to  leave  the  place  after  the  blessing  was  pronounced.  I 
spent  the  time  with  them  in  singing  and  conversing  until  near  the  middle  of  the 
night. 

Saturday  Oct.  5. — Rode  I  a  miles  into  the  state  of  Ohio  to  a  vacant  congre- 
gation. There  we  had  appointed  to  preach  and  administer  the  ordinance  of 
tke  Supper.  Spent  in  this  place  Saturday,  Sabbath  and  Monday.  The  assembly 
was  large  and  very  solemn  ;  so  many  proposed  to  join  the  church,  for  the 
first  time,  that  we  were  kept  on  Saturday  until  dark.  Among  these  were  8  Se- 
cedcrs ;  such  a  propos-il  we  had  never  seen  in  this  country  before. — Wednesday  9. 
Rode  33  miles  to  a  meeting  of  Presbytery. — Thursday  lo.  Rode  27  miles  to 
Sandy  creek,  collected  a  few  families,  and  preached  in  the  evening  :  The  time 
appeared  remarkably  solemn  ;  old  and  young  were  impressed,  tears  and  sighs 
flowed  freely  :  in  this  place  they  have  been  but  seldom  visited  by  missionaries. 

Sabbath  13.  Rode  ^  miles  and  preached  two  discourses  to  about  lOO  persons, 
who  mostly  appeared  deeply  impressed,  baptized  z  children ;  in  the  evening  rode 


15 

two  miles,  and  preached  to  about  60  people.  The  Spirit  of  God  appeared  to  attend 
his  word  in  a  remarkable  manner.  Such  solemnity  I  have  not  witnessed  for  ma- 
ny years.  I  spoke  until  worn  out ;  still  they  were  unwilling  to  leave  the  place ; 
many  under  pune;ent  convictions  were  enquiring  after  the  way  of  life. 

Friday  \%th. — Rode  5  niilcs  to  the  congregation  of  Apple  creek.  Met  with 
Mr.  Wood  who  preached  on  Friday  and  Saturday.  Sabbath  I  preached  and 
assisted  in  administering  the  ordinance  of  the  Supper.  I  preached  on  Saturday 
evening  to  a  very  solemn  and  crowded  assembly.  The  whole  of  this  occasion  was 
very  interesting,  truly  a  time  of  refreshing  to  the  people  of  God,  and  of  deep  con- 
viction to  many  of  the  ungodly.  Here  we  may  say  God  is  reviving  his  work, 
and  building  up  Zion  in  the  wilderness.  On  leaving  this  place  on  Monday,  the 
scene  was  very  solemn,  many  bathed  in  tears  as  they  bade  us  farewell.  0,remem' 
her  our  needy  case  !    was  the  cry. 


The  Rev.  John  Lyi.e  has  performed  his  mission  of  three 
months  in  the  region  assigned.  He  itinerated  in  Bath,  Flem- 
ing, Mason,  Nicholas,  and  some  other  counties  in  Kentucky. 
His  audiences  were  generally  attentive,  and  sometimes  con- 
siderably impressed.  In  one  place  where  he  preached  to 
about  80  or  100,  who  were  unusually  solemn,  and  some  much 
affected,  he  witnessed  a  recurrence  of  one  species  of  that 
strange  bodily  exercise  once  so  common  in  Kentucky.  Two 
women  had  the  jerks.  Mr.  Lyle  travelled  600  miles,  preach- 
ed 62  sermons,  and  delivered  10  shorter  addresses. 

The  Rev.  William  Hodge  itinerated,  two  months,  in 
the  counties  of  Logan,  Warren  and  Allen,  Kentucky.  The 
labours  of  this  missionary  seem  to  have  been  attended  with  a 
blessing.  Occasionally  he  met  with  an  inattentive  audience, 
and  sometimes  complains  that  his  hearers  were  hard  as  the 
rocks  :  but  in  general  they  were  attentive,  often  solemn,  and 
not  unfrequently  deeply  affected.  In  the  course  of  his  mission 
he  organized  two  churches  ;  one  in  Warren  county,  and  the 
other  at  Scottaville,  the  seat  of  justice  in  Allen  county.  At 
Red  river,  he  preached  to  a  people  which  he  states  were  for- 
merly a  respectable  congregation  under  the  pastoral  care  of 
the  Rev.  Mr.  M'Gready,  and  once  favored  v/ith  a  remarkable 
revival  of  religion,  but  now  in  a  desolate  state,  being  rent  to 
pieces  by  the  different  sectaries  in  our  country. 

"  The  state  of  religion,"  he  observes  in  the  close  of  his 
journal,  "in  this  country  is  not  flattering.  Prejudices  and 
party   spirit  run  high  among  the   different  denominations. 


16 

Sabbath  breaking,  profane  swearing,  neglect  of  gospel  mezTis^ 
contempt  of  the  authority  of  God  and  his  word,  characterize 
the  greater  part  of  our  population.  But  yet  in  various  places 
there  are  some  earnestly  inquiring  what  they  shall  do  to  be 
saved  ;  and  others,  we  trust, are  added  to  the  church  of  such  as 
shall  be  saved."  The  reading  of  a  few  portions  of  his  journal 
will  finish  our  report  on  it. 

EXTRACTS    FROM    THE    JOURNAL     OF     MR.    WILLIAM    HODGE. 

Thursday,  Fell.  2^ — I  preached  at  Mr.  Slosses,  Logan.  Here  was  a  degree 
of  solemnity  truly  encouragit7g.  This  stttltment  is  within  the  bouiiJs  of  what 
was  foimerly  a  large  Pre-byterian  Congregation,  known  by  the  name  of  Jasper 
River.  The  center  of  which  is  now  the  seat  of  Shakerism.  However,  a  num- 
ber of  the  old  membf-rs  stood  firm,  others  by  moving  into  this  place  seem  to  in- 
dica-.e  that  God  is  about  to  form  a  church  amongst  them,  .ifter  admonishing 
them  to  unite  and  use  the  means  to  come  into  an  organized  state,  1  proceeded  on 
my  tour.  Fridjy  29.—  We  had  a  very  solemn  meeting  at  Bibb's  meetinghouse, 
isaturday  30. — Preached  at  C<Jok's  meeting-house  to  a  lew  unfeeling  hearers. 
Sobbath,  Dec.  I  — I  preached  at  Rus-civille  tf  a  large  assemhiy.  An  unusual  at- 
tention and  solemnity  reigned  throujihont  public  worship.  Monday  z. — I  preach- 
ed ai  Red  river  to  a  smad  congregation.  The  greater  part  appeared  unfeeling. 
Tuesday  3.—  I  returned  home,  having  been  out  18  days,  and  preached  16  sermons. 
December  12- — 1  set  out  on  my  third  tour.  Friday  I^. — I  had  to  fide.  Satur- 
day 14 Preached  at  Mr  .Mr  Rtyiiold's  to  a  much  larger  congregation  than  form- 

eily.  This  was  an  agreeable  meeting  ;  close  attention  and  deep  solemnity  were 
visible.  Hf're  I  baptized  one  infant.  After  sermon  I  was  presented  with  a  Pe- 
tition  from  a  number  of  subscribers  in  the  neighbourhood  of  ScotrsviUe,  express- 
ing a  unanimous  desire  to  come  into  an  organized  state  as  a  Presbyterian  Church. 
The  names  of  those  whom  they  wished  to  act  as  ruling  eldera,  were  inserted  in 
-their  Petition.  On  tatbath  15  — I  prea<hcd  at  Scottsville  to  a  crowded  audience 
remarkably  solemn.  Alter  sermon  the  Petition  was  read,  also  the  nomination 
for  Elders,  with  which  all  appeared  pleased.  Here  I  received  one  dollar  75  cts. 
Monday  16. — Preached  at  widow  rtlexander'*  to  a  very  attentive  congregation. 
Several  young  people  were  much  affected.  Here  also  the  Petition  was  read,  with 
■which  all  appeared  pleased.  Tuesday  17. — I  preached  at  Mr.  Garrison's  to  a  large 
congregation.  This  was  a  tender,  weeping  season  Here  were  some  of  the 
dear  young  pen;  le  who  attended  all  my  appoir.tments  in  the  neighbouihoods 
around,  much  affected  under  a  sense  of  their  lost  and  helpless  state.  After  ser- 
mon we  proceeded  to  the  organization  of  a  Church  in  this  place  Upon  enquiry, 
I  found  that  those  nominated  for  Elders,  had  been  ordained  and  acted  as  ruling 
Elders  for  s^rveral  years  in  regular  Presbyterian  Ci  ngregations  in  the  State  of 
Norch  Carolina,  and  since  their  removal  have  walked  worthy  of  their  vocation. 
They  being  chosen  unanimously,  upon  their  public  declaration  of  willingness  to 
yield  to  the  choice,  and  to  tlfc  utni'  st  of  their  abilities  discharge  the  duties  of 
their  office,  after  which  by  recognizing  their  ordination  by  admonition  and 
prayer,  a  Church  was  organized  in  this  piace. 

Sabbath  22. — I  preached  at  Bow  iinggreen  to  a  large  and  attentive  assembly. 
Here  1  received  four  dollars  tor  missionary  labours  Monday  23. — I  preached  at 
widov/  Skile's,  (a  widow  indeed.)  Here  were  many  more  than  formerly.  This 
was  an  encouraging  meeting,  and  awful  fiknce  and  solemnity  seemed  to  reign. 
Here  1  received  eight  dollars  for  missionary  service.  Tuesday  24.  Preached  at 
Wm.  Skyle's  ;  the  meeting  was  solemn.  Wednesday  25  — 1  preached  at  widow 
Reed's,  Warren  The  congregation  was  l.irge,  the  meeting  solemn  and  highly 
agreeable.  This  is  one  of  those  places  in  the  bounds  of  that  Congregation  wher? 


17 

th€  Shakers  now  have  their  seat.  Here  1  had  the  pleasure  of  organizing  another 
Church.  After  the  ordination  of  Elders,  I  received  four  dollars  for  missionary 
service.  Thursday  a6. — Preached  a:  Mr.  Slosses's,  Logan.  Deep  soul-concern  and 
much  tenderness  marked  this  meeting.  Here  I  baptized  three  infants.  Friday 
47. —  I  preached  at  Bibb's  Meering-hou<e  to  a  few  solemn  hearers.  Saturday  18.— 
1  preached  at  Col.  M'Goodvvin'o  to  a  large  Assembly.  The  Spirit  of  the  Lord 
was  graciously  present.  .A  very  pleasing  solemnity  and  tenderness  spread  over 
the  congregation.  Sabbjtb  29  — I  preached  at  Russelville.  The  weather  was 
somewhat  intemperate,  consequently  the  congregation  not  so  large  as  formerly, 
but  the  meeting  was  agreeable,  ."^n  unusual  attention  and  solemnity  was  evident 
throughout  the  whole  of  divine  worship. 

The  Rev.  William  Woods,  who  was  appointed  a  mission.* 
ary,for  two  months,  at  and  in  the  vicinity  of  Upper  and  Lower 
Sandusky,  has  performed  a  mission  of  one  and  a  half  months, 
being  prevented  by  sickness  from  fulfilling  the  whole  term. 
He  travelled  300  miles,  and  preached  and  instructed  in  families 
as  often  asopportunity  offered.  His  audiences  were  generally  at- 
tentive, and  sometimes  very  solemn.  "In  this  vast  wilderness," 
he  says,  "  are  thousands  of  precious  souls  perishing  for  lack  of 
knowledge;  and  many  of  them, sensible  of  their  need  of  instruc- 
tion, are  crying  to  every  missionary,  Come  over  and  help  us." 

The  Rev.  Samuel  Boak  itinerated  in  fhat  tract  of  coun- 
try which  lies  between  Engle's  or  Pepper's  Ferry,  on  New 
River,  and  Dandridge,  East  Tennessee.  His  term  was  only 
one  month  ;  yet  he  preached  27  times,  besides  travelling  435 
miles.  "  In  this  route,  says  your  missionary,  I  distributed 
29  Testaments  among  29  families,  who  were  utterly  without 
the  Sacred  Suriptures  and  anxious  to  have  them.  Five 
hundred  Bibles,  I  think,  would  not  be  suffitient  to  afford  one 
for  each  family  that  might  be  found  on  this  route  who  would 
be  glad  to  receive  them  and  who  are  destitute.  I  hope  they 
will  receive  a  small  supply  from  the  East  Tennessee  and  Ab- 
ingdon Bible  Societies.  I  also  distributed  100  religious  tracts 
published  by  the  Philadelphia  Tract  Society,  which  were  re- 
ceived and  read  by  the  ignorant  generally  with  great  attention. 
I  found  daily  many  opportunities  which  I  gladly  improved 
for  serious  conversation  with  the  ignorant  and  thoughtless  on 
religious  subjects."  Mr.  Doak  speaks  of  a  lady  of  great 
wealth  and  extensive  information,  who  in  youth  had  received 
a  religious  education,  but  had  for  more  than  thirty  years  almost 

D 


18 

totally  neglected  religion  ;  who,  after  his  preaching  at  a  cer- 
tain pUice,  came  to  him  and  complained,  in  the  bitterest  terms, 
of  the  wickedness  and  hardness  of  her  heart,  and  expressed 
fears  that  there  could  be  no  pardon  for  her  so  vile  a  sinne^'. 
Your  missionary  after  pointing  to  the  Lamb  of  God  that  tak- 
eth  away  the  sin  of  the  world,  with  great  reluctance  left  her 
bathed  in  tears  and  sobbing  with  anguish. 

The  Rev.  Colin  M'Iver  was  appointed  a  missionary,  for 
three  months,  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Fayetteville,  North  Ca- 
rolina, among  the  Scottish  Highlanders  settled  in  that  district. 
As  the  account  which  Mr.  M'lver  gives  of  his  labours  is  com- 
prized in  a  short  compass,  the  Board  beg  permission  to  read  it. 

THE  LETTER  FROM  THE  Rl  V.  COLIN  M^VER. 

„  J       J  TA         c-  Fayetieville,(N.C.)  April  ZZyl^lJ, 

Reverend  and  Dear  Sir,  -*  ^    '^ 

A  multitude  of  pressing  engagements  which  have,  of  late,  imperiously 
demanded  my  attention,  have  prevented  me  fiom  sending  you,  at  an  earlier  pe- 
riod, an  account  of  the  Mission  which  1  undertook,  under  the  direction 
of  the  Committee  over  wliich  you  preside.  I  cummenced  the  said  mission 
on  the  1st  December  last  ;  and,  my  labours  being  interrupted  about  the 
middle  of  that  month,  by  an  unexpected  call  of  duty,  which  required  me 
to  take  an  excursiorl  into  the  state  of  Georgia,  from  which  1  was  not 
able  to  return  until  the  middle  of  January,  I  was,  of  coui'se,  prevented  from 
completing  my  mission,  until  the  last  of  Mcirch.  In  endeavouring  to  discharge 
the  duty  assigned  me  by  the  Committee,  I  confined  myself  to  a  small  circuit. 
With  Very  little  variation,  I  occupied  the  same  ground  I  did  last  year,  visiting 
nearly  the  same  places,  at  periodical  times ;  with  this  difference,  that  I  have, 
during  the  last  two  months  of  this  mission,  preached  more  within  the  town  of 
Fayetteville,  than  I  had  done  last  year.  This  I  did  in  compliance  with  the 
solicitations  of  several  persons,  who  wished  to  meet  for  the  pusposcs  of  worship, 
occasionally,  on  Tuesday  and  Wednesday  evenings,  in  private  families.  In  the 
course  of  my  mission,  I  have  preached  70  sermons;  baptized  2  infants;  orga- 
nized a  congregations ;  and  administered  the  Lord's  Supper  twice.  On  each 
occasion  on  which  (  administered  the  Lord's  Supper,  there  were  some  new  com- 
municants received,  whose  account  of  their  previous  exercises  afforded  comforta- 
ble hopes  of  a  work  of  grace  on  their  hearts.  On  ordinary  occasions  of  public 
Worship,  there  was  much  solemnity  ;  and  the  attention  paid  to  the  preaching  of 
the  word  was  to  me  truly  encouraging.  For  the  same  reason  which  I  assigned 
last  year,  i  forbore  to  solicit  from  the  people  any  money  for  missionary  purposes; 
yet  some  of  them  came  voluntarily  forward,  and  contributed  their  free-will  offer- 
ings, ill  small  sums,  amounting,  in  all,  to  seven  dollars  and  fifty  cents. 

On  the  whole,  the  appearances  which  exhibited  themselves  during  this 
mission,  v/ere  such  as  encouraged  me  to  hope,  that  my  labour  was  not  in  vain, 
in  the  L<>rd ;  and  that,  in  some  few  instances  at  least,  God  has  been  pleased  to 
follow  my  feeble  cffor's  to  declare  his  word,  with  a  blessing  to  the  souls  of  some 
of  those  to  whom  I  spake  in  his  name.  To  him  alone  be  all  the  glory  ascribed  ; 
and  may  the  time  speedily  arrive,  when  *'  all  shall  knoiv  him,  Jrom  the  least,  even 
unt'  the  greatest."  Thaf  God  may  ever  continue  to  smile  on  every  effort  made 
to  promote  his  filory,  is  the  fervent  prayer  of.  Reverend  and  Dear  Sir, 

Your  affectionate  Brother  in  the  Lord,  COLIN  M'lVER; 


19 

The  Rev.  Doct.  James  Hall  performed  missionary  la- 
hour,  three  months,  in  the  western  counties  of  North  Caro- 
lina. Your  aged  missionary  travelled  718  miles,  delivered  51 
discourses,  administered  the  communion  of  the  Lord's  sup- 
per five  time3,'baptized  4  adults  and  46  children,  and  receiv- 
ed 5  individuals  into  the  communion  of  the  church.  In  this 
mission,  Doctor  Hall  associated  with  himself  Mr.  Fairchild, 
who  had  been  placed  under  his  direction.  The  two  mission- 
aries generally  met  on  the  Sabbath  for  the  purpose  of  holding 
the  communion,  and  separated  early  in  the  week.  Of  Mr. 
Fairchild,  a  pupil  of  the  Theological  Seminary,  Doctor  Hall 
speaks  in  very  favourable  terms,  and  says  he  had  the  pleasure 
to  find  that  his  young  colleague  was  "  well  received  by  all 
classes  and  denominations,  particularly  on  account  of  his 
plainness  of  speech  and  evangelical  doctrines." 

The  Assembly  will  indulge  the  Board  while  they  read  a 
part  of  the  journal  of  Dr.  Hall. 

EXTRACTS    FROM  THE  JOURNAL  OF  THE  REV.  JAS.  HALL,  D.D. 

On  the  Tuesday  next  following,  we  crossed  the  main  mountain  which  di- 
vides the  waters  of  the  Mississippi  from  those  of  the  Atlantic.  On  the  N  W. 
side  are  only  three  societies  of  our  people,  of  any  considerable  number.  They 
had  been,  during  three  years,  destitute  of  the  gospel  and  its  ordinances,  except 
some  sermons  from  transient  preachers  This  was  occasioned  by  the  removal 
©f  the  Rev.  G.  Newton,  who  had  for  several  years  supplied  those  congregations. 

Communions  had  been  appointed  at  all  those  places,  and  the  people  ap- 
peared to  be  hungering  and  thirsting  for  the  Bread  and  Water  of  life.  The  first 
communion  was  holden  in  an  Academy  near  Asheville,  the  seat  of  the  Court  in 
Buncombe  County.  Appearances  were  truly  promisir;g.  The  attention  was 
solemn  and  the  assembly  large  on  bo'h  days;  and  tea'-s  flowed  copiously  during 
the  communion  from  both  old  and  young.  About  35  cummuned,  among  whom 
was  one  young  person,  the  first  time-  a  memlier  of  the  Associate  Church. 

The  next  Sabbath's  appoittment  was  at  Rim's  Creek,  in  a  mere  cove  of  the 
mountains,  where  I  experted  only  a  small  communion,  but  to  my  pleasing  aston- 
ishment, 76  communed.  Of  those,  five  new  aj>plicants  were  admitted,  among 
whom  was  a  man  about  60  years  old,  who  had  several  children  married.  1  he 
scene  was  indeed  interestingly  solemn.  Many  tears  were  shed,  both  under  the 
sermon  on  Sabbath,  and  during  the  sacramental  exercises.  All  were  solemnly 
silent  except  the  preacher',  although  loud  ourcries  had  been  common  at  that 
place  during  the  late  revival,  which  had  been  very  influential  in  those  parts. 

Permit  me  to  recite  a  I'ttle  anecdote,  which  will  help  to  give  some  idea  of 
the  solemnity  of  the  day.  On  Sabbath  night  I  lod^rcd  with  a  magistrate  of  the 
county  who  was  an  elder  of  the  congregation.  I  had  taken  an  opportunity  to 
converse  with  a  young  person,  resident  in  the  family,  who  had  not  been  at  the 
Lord's  table.  The  landlord  was  conversing  with  two  pious  old  ladies  who 
lodged  with  us,  on  the  business  of  the  day.  He  broke  out  into  a  rapturous  ex- 
ercise of  praise,  thanked  Go(i  for  what  he  had  seen  and  felt  on  the  preceding 
day,  and  declared  it  was  one  of  the  happiest  days  he  had  ever  enjoyed. 

On  the  evening  of  the  Weiine>day  immediately  preceding,  a  solemn  and 
pleasing  icenc  was  exhibited  in  Asheville,     I  had  there  the  pleasure  of  baptizing 


20 

3  mother  and  eight  of  her  children.  They  were  the  wife  and  children  of* 
wealthy  and  respectable  citizen  of  that  village.  The  audience  was  numerous 
and  the  scene  solemn,  and  highly  gratifying  to  the  vicinity. 

Leaving  Swannanoa,  we  rccrossed  the  mountain,  and  proceeded  to  Ijittle 
Britain,  where  was  our  next  Sabbath's  appointment,  but  not  a  drop  of  wine  could 
be  procured.  Large  assemblies  attended  both  on  Saturday  and  Sabbath.  Two 
small  quantities  were  heard  of  at  some  distance  both  of  which  were  given  upon 
application,  which  enabled  us  to  administer  on  the  next  Sabbath — the  congrega- 
tion also  where  we  were  to  have  been  on  that  day  gave  up  our  services  in  favour 
of  Little  Britain,  being  a  much  more  numerous  and  ancient  society.  We  had 
there  a  promising  season.  The  number  of  communicants  was  about  50,  indudr 
ing  four  new  members  On  Sabbath  evening  we  had  one  of  the  most  numerous, 
solemn  and  interesting  Societies  I  have  seen  during  many  years- 
Here  let  it  be  observed,  that  I  continue  to  prosecute  my  method  in  evening 
Societies,  mentioned  in  my  missionary  report  of  last  year  —  separating  the  males 
and  the  females,  and  giving  each  sex  a  separate  address,  after  the  usual  parrs  of  so- 
cial worship  are  ended  ;  and  still  find  encouragement  to  posevere.  Take  the  fol- 
lowing example  as  a  specimen  of  the  whole.  On  the  preceding  day  I  had  the  plea- 
sure of  admitting  to  the  I^ord's  table  two  young  persons,  both  of  one  family,  who 
had  received  their  first  religious  impressions  from  one  of  those  private  addresses, on 
that  very  night  twelve  months  (counting  by  the  day  of  the  week)  I  having  held 
a  communion  at  the  same  place  on  the  day  before:  nor  am  I  without  hope,  but, 
if  I  shall  ever  be  favoured  with  the  pleasure  of  seeing  my  dear  children  there 
again,  that  I  will  see  fruit  from  seed  sown  that  night,  where   not  less  than  ao 

>  were  around  me,  and  I  believe  every  face  bathed  with  tears;  yet  not  a  cry  nor  a 

.groan  but  only  suppressed  sobbing  to  be  heard. 

My  dear  brother,  it  is  hoped  you  will  bear  with  the  talkativeness  of  an  old 
man,  now  filling  up  his  75d  year.  I  have  yet  more  to  say;  for  thinking  over 
the  pleasure  I  have  enjoyed  m  such  scenes,  my  heart  so  swells,  like  Elihu  ;  I  can- 
not refrain.  I  know  that  of  myself,  I  am  no  more  than  "  a  sounding  brass  or  a 
tinkling  cymbal;"  and  when  I  have  done  all,  am  an  unprofitable  servant,  hav- 
ing only  done  my  duty.  But  I  have  reason  to  bless  God,  in  that  he  ever  opened 
my  way  to  the  ministry,  had  I  never  delivered  a  discourse  from  the  pulpit. 

For  more  than  ^s  yearf,  when  opportunity  offered,  and  prudence  dictated,  I 
have  made  pointed  addresses  to  the  consciences  of  young  people  :  and  had  1  kept 
a  memorandum  of  those  cases  which  have  come  to  my  knowledge,  who  have 
been  brought  to  a  sense  of  religion  under  my  instructions,  I  could  quote  20  aris- 
ing from  my  private  addresses  ;  especially  to  individuals,  for  one  from  the  pulpit: 
yea,  T  have  known  a  few  minutes  spent  in  that  way  have  a  more  powerful  and 
permanent  effect  than  100  sermons,  [f  this  be  glorying,  I  hope  it  is  glorying 
in  the  Lord  ;  for  I  am  sensible  that  I  can  as  soon  create  a  world  as  convince  a 
sinner  of  the  two-fold  evil  of  sin  without  aid  from  above. 


Mr.  Ashbel  G.  Fairchild  has  pei-formed  his  mission  of 
6  months,  within  the  bounds  of  the  Presbytery  of  Concord, 
under  the  direction  of  Dr.  Hall.  A  part  of  his  time  he  spent 
in  company  with  Dr.  Hall,  as  was  mentioned  by  the  Board  in 
their  review  of  the  journal  of  that  aged  missionary.  He 
speaks  in  pleasing  terms  of  the  good  apparently  done  by  Dr. 
Hall.  While  labouring  alone,  Mr.  Fairchild  itinerated  in  the 
counties  of  Mecklenburg,  Lincoln,  Rjtnerford,  and  Buike. 
He  travelled  1871  miles,  and  delivered  103  discourses. 


21 

Mr.  E.  W.  Gilbert*  was  appointed  by  the  Board  to  per- 
form a  mission  of  four  months  in  the  Western  part  of  Vir- 
ginia, and  in  the  Illinois  Territory  ;  and  hkewise  to  perform  a 
mission  of  two  months  in  East  Tennessee.  Mr.  Gilbert  has 
forwarded  his  journal  which  contains  a  fulfilment  of  his  mis- 
sion in  company  with  Mr.  Wilbur.  I'he  country  he  visit- 
ed in  West  Virginia  between  the  rivers  Kenhawas  he  repre- 
sents as  very,  destitute.  "This  people,  he  observes,  in  one 
place,  had  not  seen  a  minister  of  any  denomination  for  more 
than  a  year  ;"  and  in  another,  "  One  woman  was  here  4  years 
before  she  heard  a  sermon,  and  another  young  man  was  17 
years  of  age  before  he  ever  saw  a  preacher  of  any  kind." 

The  spiritual  wants  of  the  people  in  that  part  of  the  Illinois 
■which  lies  between  the  mouth  of  the  Wabash  and  Kaskaskias, 
are  equally  great,  and  claim  the  attention  of  our  church.  "The 
territory  which  was  the  scene  of  the  latter  part  of  my  mission, 
says  Mr.  Gilbert,  presents  a  wide  field  for  Presbyterian  la- 
bours. There  is  not  a  Preacher  of  any  order  settled  in  the 
Territory,  and  but  few  missionaries  have  visited  it.  Presby- 
terian Churches  might  be  organized  with  very  little  trouble  in 
various  parts  of  the  Territory," 

In  this  mission,  Mr.  Gilbert  spent  four  months,  travelled 
1900  miles  and  preached  56  times.  The  Assembly  will  allow 
the  Board  to  read  a  few  parts  of  his  journal. 

EXTRACTS    FROM    THE    JOURNAL    OT    MR.    E.    W.    GILBERT. 

Sabbath,  October  fj  — Preached  twice  fo  a  large  and  solemn  congregation ; 
and  though  I  never  spoke  with  less  satisfaction  to  myself,  the  audience  were  as 
attentive  as  any  to  whom  I  ever  spoke.  Many  were  affected  ;  one  I  saw  weep- 
ing, and  I  thought  1  heard  others  sobbing.  From  what  I  heard  afterwards,  I 
hope  good  was  done. 

Tuesday,  November  19. —  Crossed  the  river,  and  preached  to  a  small  concrcga- 
tion  at  Mr.  Leonard  Morris's.  This  is  a  very  wicked  place.  In  fact,  through  the 
whole  extent  of  ''  the  Licks,"  vice,  in  every  shape,  is  common,  and  from  what 
lean  learn,  popular.  The  workmen  at  the  furnaces  frequently  put  off  their 
quarrels  till  the  Sabbath,  when  they  assemble  at  a  tipllng  house  and  have  a 
general  settlement. 

Wednesday,  November  27. — Preached  9  miles  ahead  at  Mr.  John  Morris's, 
a  Baptist  preacher.  My  audience  was  crowded,  gave  the  most  undivided  atten- 
tion, and  was  very  solemn.  Many  wept,  and  continued  to  weep  violently,  long 
after  the  exercises  were  conclutled.  The  audience  were  principally  Baptists,  and 
professors  of  religion.  The  inhabitants  throughout  this  valley  are  chiefly  Bap- 
tists, and  m.my  families  destitute  of  the  Bible.  Mr.  Morris  said  200  families 
wanted  the  Bible  in  Kenhawa  county  alone. 

Sabbath,  December  29. — Preached  in  Shawanee  town  myself  in  the  morning, 
and  brother  W in  the  afternoon,  to  a  small  but  attentive  audience.     Thi^? 

•  Lately  a  Student  in  the  General  Assembly's  Theological  Seminary. 


22 

i«wn  is  about  as  large  as  Kasfeaskia,  but  has  many  more  English  people,  and  is  m 
IS  destitute  a  condition  as  any  place  I  ever  visited.  They  seem  to  care  nothing 
about  the  Sabbath,  nor  morahty  in  anv  shape.  There  is  not  a  profe«sor  of  re- 
ligion in  the  place.  They  have  no  schools,  will  not  come  out  to  preaching,  and 
are  the  most  profane  people  I  ever  met  with.  After  service  we  went  home  with 
Mr.  Srrcet,  a  son  in-law  of  George  Posey,  of  Indiana,  Secretary  of  the  Bible 
Society  here,  and  an  excellent  man,  though  not  a  professor  of  religion. 

Ed-wardsvillt. — This  is  a  thickly  settled  part  of  the  country  ;  the  people  irj 
general  moral,  and  many  of  them  professors  of  religion.  Though  the  greater 
part  are  Methodists,  there  are  many  Presbyterians,  who  were  rejoiced  to  see 
me.  Some  had  not  heard  a  Presbyterian  preacher  for  12  or  14  years,  and  some 
>who  were  born  in  the  country  had  never  heard  one  in  their  lives. 

Kaiiaskii,  Subiath,  Feb.  9. — This  day  being  the  hst  which  we  intended  to 
spend  in  this  place,  we  had  a  crowded  hous-e.     I  preached  in  the  morning,  and 

brother  W in  the  afternoon.     When  we  bade  them  farewell,  the  people 

.Were  much  affected,  and  seemed  to  view  our  departure  with  sincere  regret. 
From  our  first  arrival,  they  had  made  use  of  every  means  of  detaining  at  least 
one  of  us  in  the  Territory.  The  people  (Americans)  are  few  in  number,  but 
offered  to  contribute  liberally  to  our  support.  Though  but  a  small  number 
came  out  at  first,  the  congregation  gradually  increased,  the  last  assembly  being 
Mniformly  the  largest.  And  if  we  could  have  continued  among  them,  I  have 
little  doubt  much  good  would  have  been  done  ;  perhaps  some  to  the  Catholics. 
If  none  were  converted,  many  were  made  to  respect  religion,  who  had  been 
open  despisers  ;  others  were  rendered  thoughtful  and  anxious,  and  persuaded  to 
diligence  in  the  use  of  means.  They  were  so  anxious  for  our  return,  and  we  so 
much  encouraged,  that  we  half  promised^  if  Providence  permitted,  to  return. 
The  Governor  attended  every  sermon,  rffered  to  board  us  at  his  own  table,  and 
give  50  dollars  a  year  beside,  if  either  of  us  would  remain. 

Mr.  Backus  Wilbur  *  has  reported  the  fulfilment  of  his 
mission  in  the  same  region  through  which  Mr.  Gilbert  itiner- 
ated. He  concurs  in  the  representation  given  by  his  associ- 
ate of  the  state  of  the  country  and  its  great  wants. 


The  Rev.  William  Wylie,  who  was  directed  to  spend 
three  months  as  a  missionary  in  the  Missouri  Territory,  and 
one  month  on  missionary  ground  on  his  way  through  Ohio, 
Indiana  and  Illinois,  expresses  his  regret  that  the  sickness  of 
his  wife  prevented  his  spending  more  than  six  weeks  on  his 
mission.  His  preaching  of  course  could  not  be  extended  as 
far  as  was  contemplated  in  his  appointment.  "  I  employed, 
he  states,  42  days,  rode  about  732  miles,  preached  37  ser- 
mons, assisted  on  two  occasions  at  the  administration  of  the 
Lord's  Supper,  and  attended  one  meeting  of  a  praying  Society." 
He  adds  in  another  part  of  his  journal,  "  In  general  it  may 
be  observed  that  the  destitute  settlements  in  the  State  of 
Ohio,  present  a  people  anxious  for  the  ministrations  of  the 

•  Lately  a  Student  in  the  General  Assembly's  Theological  Seminary. 


23 

^(^spel,  who  not  only  merit  our  attention,  sympathy  and 
prayers,  but  earnestly  intreat  them ;  and  that  God  has  gra- 
ciously made  the  prevalence  of  damnable  heresy  in  the  South 
Western  Section  of  that  State  an  occasion  of  fixing  the  atten- 
tion and  hearts  of  Christians  upon  the  precious  and  funda- 
mental truths  of  the  Gospel.  The  doctrines  of  the  Trinity, 
of  the  Divinity  of  our  Saviour,  of  redemption  through  his 
blood,  &c.  are  the  subjects  upon  which  our  brethren  in  the 
ministry  there  preach  principally,  and  preach  with  much  plain- 
ness, warmth  and  energy,  and  those  which  peculiarly  engage 
the  private  Christian." 

The  Rev.  Daniel  Smith,  who  had  been  appointed  by  the 
Committe  of  Missions  to  labour  as  a  missionary  three  months 
in  Natchez  in  the  year  1815,  presented  his  report  after  the 
rising  of  the  last  General  Assembly.  The  Board  are  happy 
to  inform  the  Assembly,  that  the  result  of  his  labours  in  that 
town  has  been  his  settlement  there  as  a  stated  pastor.  Mr. 
Smith  appears  to  have  conducted  his  mission  with  prudence 
and  judgment ;  a  flattering  prospect  of  usefulness  is  opened  to 
him  among  a  people  hitherto  in  a  very  destitute  condition  in 
regard  to  the  means  of  grace,  while  they  had  ample  resources 
for  supporting  the  gospel  ministry.  As  it  is  peculiarly  desir- 
able to  promote  the  cause  of  morality  and  religion  in  the  re- 
mote parts  of  the  southern  section  of  our  country,  the  infor- 
mation just  given  of  the  permanent  settlement  of  a  minister  of 
Christ  in  so  important  and  growing  a  place  as  Natchez,  will 
no  doubt  be  highly  gratifying  to  the  Assembly ;  and  the 
Board,  knowing  the  interest  which  is  felt  in  the  spread  of 
divine  truth  in  that  destitute  region,  trust  they  will  not  be  con- 
sidered as  trespassing  on  the  Assembly's  patience,  if  they 
read  the  interesting  report  of  Mr.  Smith. 

THE    LETTER    OF    THE    REV.    DANIEL    SMITH. 
Dear  Sir, 

On  my  arrival  at  Natchez,  on  the  i8th  of  January  last,  1  received  the 
commission  and  instructions  of  your  Committee,  and  immediately  commenced 
my  libours,  in  the  service  of  the  General  Assembly.  The  city  of  Natchez, 
previously  to  that  time,  had  been  deplorably  destitute  of  the  stated  means  of 
grace.  It  had  been  occasionally  visited  by  clergymen  of  different  denominations; 
but  never  before,  I  believe,  had  ic  regularly  enjoyed  the  morning  and  evening 
tcrvices  cf  the  sanctuary.  And  it  was  a  remarkable  circumstance,  that  a  people 
«o  much  neglected  should  have  exerted  themsclvce  60  laudably  in  the  erection 


24 

of  a  convenient  hou^e  for  public  worship,  and  in  endeavouring  to  procure  a 
preacher  of  the  gospel.  They  had  built  and  finished,  in  a  very  handsome  style, 
a  brick  charch  sufficiently  large  for  every  present  purpose.  It  was  opened  more 
than  a  year  since,  while  I  was  in  Natchez.  At  the  request  of  the  trustees,  I  then 
preached  the  dedication  sermon.  Still  the  habit  of  attending  public  worship 
was  wanting ;  and  it  was  apprehended  that  most  of  the  seats  would  for  a  long 
time  remain  unoccupied.  It  was  not,  therefore,  thought  best  to  appoint  public 
meetings,  except  on  the  Sabbath. 

The  weather,  for  some  weeks  after  my  arrival,  was  unusually  wet  and  un- 
comfortable. Our  congregations  were  consequently  small.  Still  there  was  a 
regular  and  constant  increase  of  numbers; — and  after  the  weather  became  plea- 
sant in  March,  the  house  was  generally  well  filled.  It  soon  became  fashionable 
to'  go  to  church.  Families  that  had  rarely  attended,  since  their  residence  in 
that  country,  for  many  years,  were  drawn  out,  and  became  constant  at  the  house 
of  God.  These  were,  in  many  instances,  the  wealthiest  and  most  respectable 
inhabitants  of  the  place.  Besides  the  public  services  of  the  sanctuary,  I  had  oc- 
casional calls  to  preach  funeral  sermons  in  the  country  adjacent  to  the  town. 
The  town  itself  was  so  healthy,  that  for  the  four  months  I  was  there,  I  was 
called  to  attend  but  two  funerals  in  it — one  of  an  infant,  and  one  of  a  young  man 
who  ruined  his  constitution  in  the  defence  of  New  Orleans. 

Soon  after  my  arrival,  the  monthly  concert  for  prayer  was  established,  and 
was  connected  with  a  weekly  prayer  meeting.  These  meetings  commenced  with 
only  a  little  handful  of  devout  persons;  but  our  numbers  increased  until  (hey 
filled  a  large  room.  Most  of  those  that  attended  were  young  people.  And  I 
had  the  satisfaction  to  know,  from  private  conversations  with  them,  that  they 
made  a  serious  business  of  it.  A  number  of  them  were  quite  solemn,  and  some 
under  deep  convictions.  This  rendered  these  little  seasons  of  devotion  extreme- 
ly interesting.  It  was  even  more  than  I  had  hoped.  My  heart  was  greatly 
encouraged. 

Another  class  of  exertions  were  family  visits,  and  private  conversations  on 
religious  subjects.  This  was  matter  that  required  much  prudence.  The  habits 
of  the  people  were  all  averse  to  any  thing  like  personal  religion.  In  general, 
I  did  not  think  it  best  to  address  any  one  respecting  the  state  of  his  own  soul, 
until  I  had  become  acquainted  with  his  temper  and  character  ;  and  then  in  every 
instance  my  conversation  was  well  received,  and  often  seemed  to  make  a  deep, 
and,  I  hope,  an  abiding  impression.  My  more  usual  method  was  to  endeavour 
to  introduce  in  family  visits  a  general  conversation  on  religious  subjects,  and  then 
to  recommend  books  of  a  more  pointed  and  practical  kind.  This  prepared  the 
way  for  a  natural  and  advantageous  introduction  of  personal  conversation  afters- 
wards.  The  result  of  these  exertions,  when  I  left  Natchez,  was  not  as  decided 
£s  I  could  have  wished.  It  was  not  my  policy  to  press  matters  to  an  immediate 
iissue.  Yet  I  do  hope  that  something  was  done,  and  I  bless  the  Lord  for  it.  A 
favourable  impression,  I  believe,  was  made  on  the  public  mind,  in  favour  of 
evangelical  religion.  I  judge  from  the  singular  unanimity  with  which  the  people 
afterwards  joined,  in  requesting  me  to  return  and  establish  myself  among  them. 
This  was  in  no  measure  owing  to  the  people's  not  understanding  my  sentiments. 
Never  did  I  preach  so  plainly  and  pointedly  before,  on  those  doctrines  of  the 
Gospel  that  are  usually  offensive  to  the  unrenewed  heart.  In  some  whole 
families,  that  before  had  been  totally  regardless  of  religion,  a  very  considerable 
degree  of  seriousness  was  evidently  prevailing.  Religious  books  were  almost 
exclusively  read,  and  religious  conversation  was  frequently  introduced.  These 
families  became  constant  attendants  at  the  sanctuary,  and  were  often  at  our  little 
meetings  for  prayer.  A  number  of  individuals  seemed  to  be  seriously  en- 
gaged in  seeking  the  salvation  of  their  souls.  They  conversed  on  the  subject 
with  the  deepest  interest;  they  read  the  Scriptures,  and  commenced  a  course  of 
secret  devotion.  At  least  two  instances  came  to  my  knowledge  of  hopeful 
conversion  by  divine  grace.  One  was  the  daughter  of  a  poor  widow,  whom  I 
was  called  to  visit  on  her  death  bed.  She  was  deranged  through  the  violence 
of  her  disease  ;  but  from  her  mother's  account  of  her,  I  had  the  fullest  reason 


25 

to  believe  that  she  had  embraced  the  truth  in  the  love  of  It.  The  last  time  she 
attended  in  the  house  of  God,  she  said,  as  she  went  away,  "  Long  as  I  live  1  will 
couciiue  to  go  to  that  lovely  place."  The  other  hopeful  subject  of  divine  grace, 
was  a  young  lady  of  unusually  correct  deportment  and  amiable  character  ;  but, 
brought  by  the  enlightening  influences  of  the  divine  Spirit,  under  a  deep  sense 
of  her  ingratitude  to  God,  to  see  the  vileness,  and  feel  the  hardness  of  her  heart; 
and  ultimately  to  trust  only  in  renewing  and  pardoning  mercy  That  mercy, 
1  hope,  was  extended  to  her.  She  was  literally  led,  by  an  invisible  hand,  in 
a  way  that  she  knew  not ;  through  a  course  of  exercises  and  feelings,  of  the 
nature  and  necessity  of  which,  she  was  before  totally  ignorant. 

In  the  city  of  Natchez  there  never  has  been  an  organized  protestant  church 
of  any  denomination.  There  are  a  few  pious  Methodists,  Baptists,  and  Presby- 
terians; but  heretofore  there  never  were  a  sufficient  number  of  either,  to  vvar- 
rant  the  formation  of  a  church.  Should  I  return  to  Natchez  in  the  fall,  I  shall 
have  strong  hopes  of  succeeding  in  the  establishment  of  a  Presbyterian  chUrcbj 
of  fifteen  or  twenty  members. 

Hitherto  there  has  been  among  the  inhabitants  of  Natchez,  very  little  religious 
charitable  exertion.  To  excite  a  spirit  of  charity,  therefore,  would  be  an  essen- 
tial benefit,  as  well  to  those  who  should  exercise  it,  as  to  those  that  might  be  the 
objects  of  it.  With  this  view,  I  recommended,  to  a  few  ladies,  the  formation  of 
a  Society,  whose  object  it  should  be  to  educate  and  support,  if  necessary,  poor 
children  in  Natchez  and  the  vicinity.  It  was  strenuously  objected  to  at  first, 
that  there  was  no  necessity  for  such  an  institution  ;  but,  after  a  little  inquiry  into 
the  state  of  the  poor,  the  objection  ceased ;  a  subscription  was  circulated  ;  about 
a  thousand  dollars  were  subscribed  by  the  ladies  ;  a  Society  was  organized  ;  a 
poor  widow  and  a  number  of  children  were  taken  under  its  patronage  ;  a  num- 
ber of  other  children  were  sent  to  school ;  and  measures  were  taken  for  the  per- 
manent establishment  of  a  charity  school. 

On  my  arrival  at  Natchez,  I  found  the  trustees  of  the  church  embarrassed 
with  a  debt  incurred  in  erecting  it,  of  aboat  four  thousand  dollars.  Repeated 
applications  had  been  made  to  the  citizens,  and  to  the  public  at  large,  for  assis- 
tance, but  without  success.  When  public  worship  came  to  be  regularly  attended 
in  the  house,  another  effort  was  made.  A  subscription  was  circulated,  and,  in  a 
few  days,  about  three  thousand  dollars  were  obtained ;  so  that  the  trustees  have 
now  a  fair  prospect,  in  the  coarse  of  a  year,  of  being  freed  from  that  embarrass- 
ment entirely. 

After  I  had  been  in  the  place  a  few  weeks,  a  number  of  gentlemen  began 
to  converse  with  me  on  the  subject  of  permanently  establishing  myself  in  the 
ministry  among  them.  A  subscription  was  circulated  for  my  support,  and  an 
adequate  sum  obtained.  It  occasioned  much  regret  that  I  was  obliged  to  leave 
them  destitute  of  preaching  this  summer.  But  as  I  could  not  dispense  with 
visiting  the  Northern  States  during  this  year,  they  agreed  with  me  in  opinion, 
that  I  had  best  come  away  immediately;  and  thus  avoid  the  warm  season,  and 
be  ready  to  return  early  in  the  fall  This  arrangement  was  mutually  agreed  on; 
and,  I  believe,  gave  general  natisfaction. 

In  reviewing  the  whole,  I  have  the  most  abundant  reason  to  bless  the  Lord 
for  his  goodness.  He  has  preserved  nie  from  the  dangers  of  the  deep ;  has 
given  me  success  beyond  my  expectations,  in  performing  the  other  duties  of  my 
mission,  such  as  distributing  the  lage  assortment  of  Bibles,  religious  books,  Tracts 
and  pamphlets,  with  which  I  was  entrusted,  and  baa,  as  I  must  be  permitted  to 
hope,  given  me  some  degree  of  usefulness  among  the  people  to  whom  I  was  sent. 
I  am,  dear  Sir,  most  respectfully 
P!Aladelpbla,June<j,  lUe.  Your'e,  DANIEL  SMITH. 

The  Rev.  James  Hughs,  who  was  appointed  a  missionary, 
lour  months,  in  \.\\t  vicinity  of  Urbanna  and  to  the  Indians  ia 


26 

and  about  Lewistown,  has  sent  the  following  letter,  a  part  of 
which  will  be  read, 

EXTRACT    OF    A    LETTER    FROM    THE    REV.    JAMES    HUGHS. 

Since  I  wrote  you  in  May  last,  I  have  regularly  attended  to  the  ser- 
vice of  the  mission  one  third  part  of  my  time,  and  in  this  time  have  preached 
fifty-three  sermons.  I  cannot  say  that  any  very  special  effects  have  appeared^ 
except  an  increased  attention  to  the  means,  and  a  desire  to  enjoy  the  gospel  and  its 
ordinances.  In  August  last,  I  administered  the  Lord's  supper  at  Piqua ;  a 
great  number  attended,  and  it  was  a  very  solemn  season  ;  a  number  were  affect-' 
ed,  and  a  few  were  added  to  the  church  on  that  occasion.  My  missionary  ser- 
vices have  been  given  chiefly  to  seven  places,  which  are  now  formed  into  congre* 
jjations.  At  the  last  meeting  of  our  Presbytery,  one  of  them,  the  town  of  Spring- 
field, obtained  a  part  of  Mr.  Steel's  time  for  one  year  as  a  stated  supply ;  the 
others  are  taking  up  subscriptions,  and  the  next  year  will  be  prepared  to  dis- 
charge a  considerable  part  of  the  missionary  service  they  may  receive.  From 
two  of  them,  Piqua  and  Concord,  1  have  received  gij  for  past  time. 

I  have  had  but  little  opportunity  with  the  Indians ;  last  summer  they  had  a 
large  meeting,  the  principal  part  of  the  Wyandot,  Shawanese,  Mingo,  and  Dela- 
ware nations  attended.  I  met  with  them  and  preached  to  them,  they  all  gave 
good  attention.  I  proposed  to  visit  them  at  their  respective  towns,  if  they  de- 
sired it,  and  preach  to  them  ;  they  said  they  would  consider  on  it  and  send  me  an 
answer  ;  but  they  have  not  as  yet,  except  the  Wyandots ;  their  chiefs  have  sent  a 
request  that  I  would  go  and  preach  to  them.  Their  nation  are  now  generally 
very  desirous  to  become  civilized  and  live  as  white  people  do  ;  but  very  few  of 
them  have  any  desire  to  be  evangelized;  they  allege  that  God  is  better  pleased 
with  them  in  their  old  way  of  heathen  worship.  It  is  hoped  that  if  they  get 
into  a  more  civilized  way  of  living,  which  they  now  see  is  necessary,  that  then 
it  will  be  more  easy  to  bring  them  to  attend  to  religion. 

The  Shawanese  at  Lewistown  have  become  very  much  discouraged  about  the 
school  we  proposed  to  institute  for  their  children,  and  I  believe  are  rather  offend- 
ed, if  not  with  us,  with  our  government,  At  every  opportunity  they  have  en- 
quired of  us,  whether  their  petition  was  granted  for  the  land ;  at  length  Capt. 
Lewis  sent  for  the  children  I  had  with  me  to  go  home  a  while,  and  he  would 
send  them  back  again ;  but  they  have  not  come.  I  saw  him  once  since,  and 
enquired  the  reason  they  had  not  come  :  he  then  told  me  the  reason  was,  be- 
cause as  government  did  not  make  any  grant  to  help  me,  he  thought  it  was  too 
much  for  me  to  keep  them  myself.  I  told  him  not  to  keep  them  away  on  that 
account,  as  the  Missionary  Society  and  goed  people  would  help  me,  and  I  wish- 
ed to  give  the  children  an  education.  He  then  promised  he  would  send  them; 
but  they  are  not  yet  come,  except  the  two  least  boys  who  came  first. 

If  the  Board  of  Missions  see  proper  to  appoint  me  the  ensuing  season,  I  wish 
to  be  particularly  instructed  respecting  the  Indians,  and  a  school  for  their 
children.  I  have  not  yet  had  any  information  respecting  the  fate  of  the  petition 
to  Congress  ;  some  of  the  Indians  are  yet  very  anxious  to  have  a  school,  and 
have  said,  that  if  Congress  do  not  grant  their  petition,  that  they  will  give  land 
on  their  own  side  of  the  boundary  line,  if  I  would  have  a  school  there;  this  I 
think  would  not  answer  so  well  for  different  reasons. — It  would  be  difficult  to 
get  a  suitable  teacher  to  go  there,  and  it  would  be  more  difficult  to  keep  the 
children  at  school  when  near  home ;  k  would  also  be  more  expensive,  I  think  it 
would  be  better,  and  not  more  expensive,  to  purchase  a  half  or  quarter  section  of 
land  in  a  good  settlement  of  white  people,  whose  children  would  go  to  school  with 
the  Indians,  and  in  part  support  the  teacher ;  and  the  Indians  would  learn  sooner 
to  read  and  speak  English.  I  submit  this  to  the  Board  and  hope  you  will  instruct 
me  particulary  in  the  case.    I  have  still  one  third  part  of  oi/  titnc  unengaged. 


27 

The  Synod  of  Virginia  has  sent  the  following  report. 

Report  of  the  Synod  of  Virginia  on  the  conduct  of  Mis- 
sions  during  the  year  fiast. 

The  Synod  employed  (by  their  Committees  of  Missions,)  seven 
Missionaries,  for  various  and  mostly  short  periods ;  amounting  in 
all  to  about  17  months  labours.  These  Missionaries  appear  to  have 
discharged  their  duty  with  diligence  and  fidelity  ;  and  though  noth- 
ing very  remarkable  occurred,  there  is  reason  to  believe  they  have  not 
laboured  without  success.  The  call  for  Missionaries  continues  to  be 
ioud  ;  and  far  beyond  our  means  of  supplying.  We  are  exerting 
our  efforts  to  increase  the  number  of  our  preachers  ;  and  hope  for 
the  blessing  of  God  in  this  all-important  concern. 

Conrad  Speece,  jr.  Stated  Clerk  of  Synod. 


The  Board  of  the  Western  Missionary  Society  has  made 
the  following  report. 

The  Board  of  the  Western  Missionary  Society  Report, 
io  the  Board  of  Missions  of  the  General  Assembly; — that 
during  the  last  year  they  have  employed  in  their  service,  nine  Mis- 
sionaries ;  eight  of  these,  for  one  month  each,  and  one  for  two 
months.  The  fields  of  labour  have  been  the  settlements  on  the 
head  vvaters  of  the  Monongohala,  Cheat,  and  Wheelen  ;  the  coun- 
ties of  Green  and  Monongohala  generally  ;  the  settlements  cast  of 
the  Tuskarawas  and  the  waters  of  Sandy  ;  the  settlements  on  the 
Alleghany  from  Franklin  to  the  N.  York  line,  including  those  on 
Cherry-tree  creek,  Oil  creek,  Big  and  Little  Broken  Straw,  Cona- 
wongo,  Beach-woods,  Chataughque  Lake,  and  part  of  Lake  Erie— 
The  counties  of  Armstrong  and  Indiana  on  the  vvaters  of  the 
Keskemanetas,  Crooked  Creek,  and  Blacklick. 

From  the  journals  of  our  Missionaries,  we  learn  that  there  is  a 
growing  attention  to  the  ordinances  of  religion,  and  a  general  anxiety 
for  the  preaching  of  the  gospel ;  and  that  in  almost  every  place  the 
labours  of  our  Missionaries  have  been  blessed ;  the  hearts  of  the 
pious  comforted,  and  not.  a  few  awakened  to'  a  serious  concern  for 
their  immortal  interest.  It  may  be  truly  said,  that  the  fields  arc 
whitening  unto  tlie  harvest. 

Applications  for  Missionary  labours  have  greatly  increased  within 
the  last  year  ;  but  your  Committee  have  to  mention,  with  regret, 
that  from  our  limited  mei'ns,  and  the  gi'eat  scarcity  of  labourers, 
we  are  not  able  to  meet  the  numerous  and  pressing  calls,  which  are 
made  by  those  who  are  perishing  through  lack  of  vision. 

Our  expenditures  during  the  past  year,  have  been  about  one 
thousand  dollars.  Our  permanent  fund  amounts  to  between  eleven 
and  twelve  hundred  dollars ;  and  our  contingent  fund  to  little  more 
than  two  hundred.  To  meet  the  demands  of  the  current  year  we 
must  trust  in  God,  who  has  the  hearts  of  all  in  his  bands,  that  while 
he  encourages  the  cry  of  those  that  are  ready  to  perish,  he  will  pro- 
vide for  them  the  bread  of  life. 


The  «chooi  established  at  Cornplanter's  is  stili  continued;  but 
owing  to  the  delay  and  disappointment  which  usually  attend  the 
establishment  of  new  institutions,  and  more  especially  when  they 
are  at  a  distance  from  civilized  society,  the  scholars  now  at  school 
have  not  been  more  than  eighteen  months  under  tuition.  The  pro- 
gress of  these  have  exceeded  bur  most  sanguine  expectations. — A 
specimen  of  their  writing  will  accompany  this  report.  The  number 
that  attended  the  school  regularly  is  eleven  :  they  consist  of  boys 
from  twelve  to  eighteen  years  of  age.  If  their  education  can  be 
effected,  an  important  object  will  be  accomplished  ;  the  advantages 
resulting  from  it,  through  the  divine  blessing  will  descend  to  genera' 
tions  ijet  unborn. 

The  Board  were  making  arrangements  to  establish  a  second 
school  at  Coldspring ;  but  the  Society  of  Friends  recommenced 
their  former  school  last  fall,  and  we  hope  the  object  will  be  accom- 
plished by  them.  The  patronage  that  Cornplanter  has  given  to  the 
school  and  his  persevering  zeal  for  the  education  of  his  youth,  give 
ground  to  hope  for  eventual  success.  The  teacher  has  obtained  the 
confidence  of  all  the  Indians,  and  his  example  has  had  a  happy  in- 
fly  ance  on  their  habits,  especially  in  the  observance  of  the  Sabbath. 
The  Indians  all  attend  the  ordinances  of  religion  when  dispensed 
among  them,  and  manifest  considerable  seriousness.  Our  Mis- 
sionaries have  frequently  visited  the  school,  and  preached  to  them. 
When  there  is  no  Missionary  there,  the  Indians  with  some  white 
people  in  the  neighbourhood,  meet,  for  social  worship  on  the  Sab- 
bath, in  which  the  school-master  presides.  He  opens  and  closes  the 
meeting  with  prayer,  and  reads  the  Scriptures  with  Dr.  Scott's  Com* 
ment,  and  other  approved  authors. 

To  conclude,  we  believe  the  Lord  is  calling  to  persevering  exertions 
to  hope  and  pray  for  the  blessing  which  will  make  the  wilderness 
like  a  fruitful  field.  Elisha  Macurdy. 

Thomas  Hunt. 
John  M.  Snowdex. 


The  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  has  established  a  Mis- 
sionary Society  auxiliary  to  this  Board,  on  a  plan  similar  to 
that  proposed  in  their  late  publication. 

The  Presbytery  of  Geneva  has  resolved  to  form  a  Mission- 
ary Society,  auxiliary  to  this  Board. 

Information  has  been  received  that  the  Presbytery  of  Albany 
have  formed  an  auxiliary  Missionary  Society  agreeably  to  the 
recommendation  of  this  Board  ;  that  they  have  raised  some 
money  which  they  intend  to  forward  to  the  Treasurer  of  the 
General  Assembly  ;  that  they  wish  to  be  considered  as  entirely 
auxiliary ;  and  that  the  Society  was  formed  by  the  cordial  and 
unanimous  vote  of  Presbytery. 


29 

MISSIONARY  APPOINTMENTS. 

The  following  missionary  appointments  have  been  made 
by  the  Board  for  the  current  year. 

1.  The  Rev.  James  Johnson,  four  months  ; 

2.  The  Rev.  Ashbel  Parmelee,  one  month  ; 

3.  The  Rev.  Thomas  Kennan,  one  month  : 

These  Missionaries  are  to  itinerate  within  the  bounds  of 
the  Presbytery  of  Champlain,  and  to  receive  directions  in  re- 
gard to  their  routes,  from  that  Presbytery. 

4.  The  Presbytery  of  Columbia,  to  employ  a  Missionarv, 
three  months,  in  their  northern  region. 

5.  The  Rev.  John  Younglove,  two  months,  in  the  county 
of  Rensselear. 

6.  The  Presbyteryof  Geneva,  to  employ  a  Missionary, 
three  months. 

7.  The  Rev.  Andrew  Rawson,  two  months,  in  the  Hol- 
land purchase. 

8.  The  Rev.  John  Davenport,  two  months.  His  route, 
to  be  prescribed  by  the  Presbytery  of  Onondaga. 

9.  Mr.  Phinehas  Camp,  three  months,  in  the  destitute  places 
in  the  region  near  Detroit. 

10.  The  Presbytery  of  Hudson  to  direct  a  mission  of  three 
months,  on  missionary  ground,  within  their  limits  ;  and  lo 
divide  the  time  among  the  Missionaries,  as  they  may  judge 
most  conducive  to  the  interest  of  the  mission. 

11.  The  Standing  Committee  of  the  Western  INIissionary 
Society  of  New  Jersey,  to  employ  a  Missionary,  three  months, 
in  the  western  part  of  the  state  of  New  Jersey. 

12.  The  Rev,  John  Gloucester,  three  months,  to  the  Blacks 
in  Philadelphia,  and  one  month  to  the  same  people  elsewhere. 

13.  Mr.  Wells  Andrews,  three  months,  in  Bedford,  Hunt- 
ingdon, and  Cambria  counties,  Pennsylvania  ;  and,  in  the 
course  of  this  mission,  he  is  to  visit  the  town  of  Bedford, 
where  it  is  expected  he  will  receive  compensation  for  any 
time  he  may  labour  there. 

14.  Mr.  William  B.  Montgomery,  three  months  ;  begin- 
ning his  mission  from  the  forks  of  the  Susquehanna,  he  is  to 
pursue  his  course  up  the  east  branch,  to  the  line  which  di- 
vides Pennsylvania  from  New  York. 

15.  Rev,  Thomas  Hoge,  one  month,  in  those  regions  of 
country,  between  Stubenville,  Tuskarawa,  and  Canton. 

16.  Mr.  David  Montfort,  six  months.  His  route  to  be 
prescribed  by  the  Committee  of  the  Board  of  Trust  of  the 
Synod  of  Ohio  ;  and  his  seivices  to  be  remunerated  out  of 
the  funds  of  that  Board. 

17*  Rev.  Daniel  C.  Hopkins,  three  months,  in  the  state  of 


30 

Ohio  ;  and  in  going  to  that  State  he  is  to  pass  through  the 
western  part  of  Pennsylvania,  on  missionary  ground  ;  and 
when  arrived  in  Ohio,  he  is  to  be  directed  by  the  Committee 
of  the  Board  of  Trust  of  the  Synod  of  Ohio. 

18.  Rev.  Joseph  Stephenson,  two  months,  on  the  heads  of 
the   Muskingum,  Sandusky,  and  Shad  rivers. 

19.  Mr.  Phinehas  Camp,  three  months,  in  the  state  of  Ohio. 
His  route  to  be  prescribed  by  the  Committee  of  the  Board  of 
Trust  of  the  Synod  of  Ohio. 

20.  The  Rev.  Robert  Semple,  one  month,  on  the  head 
waters  of  Muskingum,  in  the  state  of  Ohio. 

21.  Rev.  James  Hughs,  four  months,  in  the  vicinity  of 
Urbanna,and  to  the  Indians  in  and  about  Lewistown. 

22.  Mr.  Alvin  Coe,  three  months,  in  the  counties  of  Rich- 
land and  Huron,  state  of  Ohio. 

23.  Rev.  James  M'Gready,  three  months,  in  the  state  of 
Indiana,  in  the  counties  of  Clark,  Harrison,  Gibson,  and 
Knox 

24.  Rev.  William  Dickey,  three  months,  in  the  state  of  In- 
diana, at  discretion. 

25.  Mr.  John  F.  Crow,  three  months,  in  the  Illinois  Ter- 
ritory. 

26.  Rev.  Thomas  Cleland,  one  month,  on  missionary 
ground,  at  discretion. 

27.  Rev.  William  Hodge,  two  months,  in  the  counties  of 
Logan,  Warren,  and  Allen,  Kentucky. 

28.  Rev.  Samuel  Hodge,  two  months,  in  the  counties  of 
Smith,  Jackson,  and  White,  Kentucky. 

29.  The  Board  of  Missions  to  send  a  Missionary,  two 
months,  in  compliance  with  the  request  of  the  Missionary 
Society  of  East  Tennessee. 

30.  Mr.  John  Newion  Blackburn,  three  months,  and 

31.  Mr.  John  T.  HambletOn,  three  months  ;  their  routes 
to  be  prescribed  by  the  Rev.  Gideon  Blackburn. 

32.  Presbytery  of  Abingdon,  to  employ  a  missionary,  three 
months. 

33.  Rev.  Colin  M'lver,  three  months,  in  the  neighbour- 
hood of  Fayetteville,  North  Carolina,  among  the  Scottish 
Highlanders  settled  in  that  district. 

34.  Rev.  John  Witherspoon,  three  months,  in  the  Eastern 
part  of  North  Carolina. 

35.  The  Board  of  Missions  to  send  a  missionary,  six 
months,  in  the  eastern  part  of  North  Carolina. 

36.  Rev.  Doctor  James  Hall,  six  months,  in  the  western 
part  of  North  Carolina,  and  in  South  Carolina,  at  discretion. 

37.  Rev.  Joseph  D.  Kilpatrick,  one  month,  in  the  western 
part  of  North  Carolina. 


31 

38.  Mr.  Jeremiah  Chamberlain,  six  months,  through  the 
south  western  counties  of  Pennsylvania  to  the  Ohio,  and 
down  that  river  to  St.  Louis  ;  where  he  will  join  Mr.  Lamed, 
and  then  visit  the  destitute  towns  on  the  Mississippi,  between 
Natchez  and  New  Orleans  ;  and,  if  practicable,  visit  the  set- 
tlements on  the  Mobile. 

39.  Mr.  William  M*Farlane,  six  months,  through  the 
south  western  counties  of  Pennsylvania  to  the  Ohio,  and 
down  that  river  to  St.  Louis ;  to  which  place  Mr.  M'Farlane 
is  particularly  destined,  and  where  he  will  spend  the  remain- 
ing part  of  his  time,  if  that  town  be  not  supplied  ;  but  if  it  be 
supplied,  he  is  to  visit  the  destitute  places  in  the  Missouri 
Territory. 

40.  Mr.  Eliphalet  W.  Gilbert,  six  months,  to  the  towns  of 
Shawanee  and  Kaskaskias,  and  adjacent  places. 

41.  Mr.  John  Covert,  two  months,  in  the  western  part  of 
the  state  of  South  Carolina  and  Georgia. 

42.  Rev.  Richard  King,  six  months,  in  the  Mississippi 
Territory,  down  the  Tombeckbe  to  Fort  Stoddart,  thence 
across  to  Fort  Jackson,  and  up  the  waters  of  the  Alabama, 
and  through  the  lower  parts  of  Tennessee  and  Kentucky. 

43.  Mr.  Sylvester  Lamed,  six  months,  especially  with  a 
view  to  establish  the.  ministry  of  the  gospel  in  the  city  of 
New  Orleans  ;  and  in  travelling  to  that  city  he  will  commence 
his  route  from  Detroit,  pass  through  Vincennes,  Kaskaskias, 
and  St.  Louis. 

44.  That  the  Rev.  James  Hughs  be  allowed  four  hundred 
and  fifty  dollars,  for  carrying  on  his  mission  to  the  Indians  in 
and  about  Lewistown,  Ohio  ; 

45.  That  the  Board  of  Trust  of  the  Western  Missionary 
Society  be  allowed  three  hundred  dollars  for  the  purpose  of 
establishing  a  second  school  among  the  Six  Nations. 


52 


FORM    OF    A    CONSTlTTJ'TIO^T 
lOR    AN    AUXILIARY   MISSIONARY   SOCIETY. 

Article  i.  This  Society  shall  be  denominated  "  The  Auxiliary  Misiionary 
Society  of ." 

Art.  II.  The  object  of  this  Society  shall  be  to  supply  with  the  preaching 
of  the  gospel  the  destitute  within  our  own  limits,  and  to  aid  the  funds,  and 
facilitate  the  operations,  of"  The  Board  of  Missions  acting  anier  the  authori- 
ty of  The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Cuorch  in  the 
United  States  of  America. 

Art.  III.  Any  person  paying  —  dollars  oft  subscribing,  and  one  dollar 
annually,  shall  be  a  member  of  this  Society  :  and  any  person  paying  at  one 
Hvat.  twenty  dollars,  or  a  sum  which  added  to  his  formtr  payments  shall  amount 
to  ttvcnty  dollars,  shall  be  a  member  for  life,  without  farther  contributions. 

Art.  IV.  This  Society  shall  meet  annually  at on  the  — —  day  of 

at  which  the  report  of  its  proceedings  shall  be  read,  and  its  officers  shal! 

be  chosen.     The  officers  shall  be  a  President,  Secretary  and  Treasurer. 

Art.  v.  a  Standing  Committee  of  seven  persons  shall  be  chosen  at  the  same 
time ;  any  four  of  whom  shall  be  a  quorum  to  do  business.  It  shall  be  the  duty 
of  this  Committee  to  employ  Missionaries, — to  prescribe  their  routes  and  fix 
their  stations, -to  obtain  and  collect  subscriptions  and  donations  to  the  funds  of 
the  Society, — to  manage  the  general  business  when  the  Society  is  not  in  session, 
— and  to  report  at  every  annual  meeting  of  the  Society  an  account  of  their 
proceedings. 

Art.  VI.  The  Missionaries  emj^loyed  shall  be  either  Luentiatci  or  Ordained 
Ministers  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  in  good  and  regular  standing,  whom  the 
Standing  Committee  may  deem  suitable  persons ;  or  such  persons  as  may  be 
sent  by  the  Board  of  Missions,  on  the  application  of  the  Standing  Committee. 

Art.  VII.  The  Missionaries  shall  labour  within  the  limits  of  this  Society,  and 
parts  adjacent  which  may  be  destitute  ;  they  shall  receive  from  the  funds  of  this 
Society  for  their  services yi/r/jr  dollars  per  month,  being  the  salary  allowed  by  the 
Board  of  Missions  to  their  Missionaries ;  they  shall  report,  as  soon  as  convenient 
after  finishing  their  tour,  an  account  of  their  labours  and  apparent  success,  and 
of  all  other  matters  interesting  to  the  missionary  cause  that  may  occur  to  their 
observation. 

A'rt.  VIII.  Any  surplus  funds  which  may  at  any  time  be  possessed  by  the 
Society,  shall  be  paid  over  to  the  Missionary  fund  of  the  General  Assembly,  at 
the  discretion  of  the  Standing  Committee.  (Should  there  be  no  missionary 
ground  within  the  limits  of  any  Society,  it  is  recommended  that  all  the  funds  be 
paid  into  the  Missionary  fund  of  the  General  Assembly.) 

Art.  IX,  The  formation  of  Missionary  Associations,  to  aid  the  funds  of  this 
Society,  shall  be  promoted  by  its  members  whenever  an  opportunity  offers ;  and 
it  shall  especially  be  the  duty  of  Missionaries  supported  by  this  Societyi  to  en- 
deavour to  form  such  Associations  wherever  it  may  be  practicable. 

Art.  X.  Any  Association  of  persons  (male  or  female)  who  shall  contribute  to 
this  Society  ten  dollars^  shall  have  the  privilege  of  sending  one  deputy  to  the 


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Society  who  shall  enjoy  all  the  privileges  of  any  other  member ;  and  for  every 
additionul  ten  dollars,  they  shall  have  a  right  to  appoint  another  representative. 

Art.  XI.  This  Constitution  may  be  altered  at  any  annual  meeting  of  the  So- 
ciety, by  a  vote  of  a  majority  of  all  the  members,  or  of  two  thirds  of  the  members 
present. 

As  soon  as  twelve  subscribers  shall  be  obtained,  the  Society  shall  be  considered 
as  formed ;  and  may  immediately  proceed  to  the  choice  of  its  Officers  and  Stand- 
ing Committee,  who  shall  serve  till  the  day  appointed  in  the  Constitution  for 
the  annual  meeting. 


rORM   OF    A    CONSTITUTION 
FOR    A    MISSIONARY    ASSOCIATION. 

Article  i.  This  Association  shall  he  denominated  "  The  Missionary  As- 
sociation of      o ." 

A»T.  i^The  object  of  this  Association  shall  be  to  aid  the  funds  of  the  Aux- 
iliary Missionary  Society  of (Should  the  local  situation  of  any  Asso- 
ciations render  it  more  convenient  to  pay  their  funds  immediately  into  the 
Missionary  fund  cf  the  General  Assembly,  it  is  recommended  that  this  article 
ehould  be  formed  accordingly.) 

Art.  III.  Any  person  paying  annually  at  the  rate  of  one  cent  per  week, 
shall  be  a  member  of  this  Association. 

Art.  IV.  The  subscriptions  shall  be  paid  monthly,  or  quarterly,  or  half 
yearly,  or  annually,  as  the  Association  may  determine. 

Art.  V.  The  Association  shall  meet  annually  at —^— on  the  — —  day  of 
at  which  time  they  shall  chose  a  Treasurer,  and  a  Committee  consisting  of  three 
persons ;  and  read  any  Missionary  report  or  journal  that  may  be  sent  by  the 
Auxiliary  Missionary  Society,  or  any  piece  of  Missionary  intelligence  of  an  in- 
teresting nature  that  may  be  procured. 

Art.  VI.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  all  the  members,  and  particularly  of  the 
Committee,  to  procure  subscribers  and  donations. 

Art.  VII.  'Ihe  Committee  shall  be  charged  with  the  business  of  collecting  the 
money  due  from  the  members,  and  paying  what  they  collect  to  the  Treasurer. 

Art.  Till.  As  soon  as  the  Treasurer  shall  have  received  ten  dollars,  he  or  she 
shall  pay  it  over  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  Auxiliary  Missionary  Society ;  and  it 
shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Treasurer  to  report  to  every  annually  meeting  of  the 
Association  the  amount  of  all  monies  received  and  paid. 

Art.  IX-  If  the  Association  shall  be  disposed  to  exercise  their  privilege,  they 
ehall,  at  the  annual  meeting,  appoint  their  deputy  or  deputies  to  attend  the  next 
annual  meeting  of  the  Auxiliary  Missionary  Society. 

Art.  X.  A. ^  soon  as  ten  snbscribtrs  shall  be  obtained,  the  Association  may 
prorod  to  choose  their  Treasurer  and  Committee,  who  shall  serve  till  the  day 
appointed  in  the  Constitution  for  the  annual  meeting. 


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